Kevin Quiambao knew that he and De La Salle University needed to bounce back after the upset rug was pulled underneath them by University of the East last Wednesday.
Against the struggling Far Eastern University Tamaraws, the Green Archers secured an 87-70 win that put them back on track to a 3-2 win-loss record.
One of the standout performers for La Salle in that game was Quiambao, who produced 16 points, eight rebounds, and four assists in 26:31 minutes of action.
“Sobrang saya sa feeling na back kami sa winning column and I hope magtuloy-tuloy to,” said the former National University Bullpup.
Quiambao was a strong contributor off the bench for coach Derrick Pumaren’s side.
With Michael Phillips out due to injury, he played his part in helping the Taft school dominate the boards with 57 rebounds vs FEU’s 36.
The Gilas Pilipinas pool member also gave an exclamation mark for La Salle’s win in the 1:51 mark of the fourth quarter with a dunk over FEU’s Daniel Celzo.
“Yung dunk na yun, kumbaga system lang ni coach… kumbaga na open lang ako,” insisted Quiambao. “At that time, naisip ko dunk na lang to hype up lang yung mga teammates ko lalo na galing kami sa loss.
“Ayun nga, fourth quarter, kumbaga pang momentum for next game.”
It always hurts to lose in the UAAP considering how thin the margin is between success and failure.
However, bouncing back is also a virtue in this league and Quiambao helped show the way for the Green Archers as they ensured there would be no repeat of an upset at their expense by the Tamaraws.