De La Salle University pulled away in the third quarter to topple Adamson University, 71-58, and scored back-to-back wins in the UAAP Season 86 Men’s Basketball Tournament at the SM Mall of Asia Arena, Wednesday.
The Green Archers were trailing 35-38 when Evan Nelle, Kevin Quiambao, and Mike Phillips took over to turn things around with a massive 23-0 run to gain a piece of second place.
Nelle made six points, Quiambao had nine, Phillips got five, and Joaqui Manuel added three in that surge to give De La Salle a commanding 58-38 lead with 1:16 left in the third quarter.
“It was really a challenging game for us. We know Adamson will come into this game with a lot of confidence. We just have to make sure we’re gonna come out knowing this is gonna be big for us,” said Green Archers head coach Topex Robinson.
The Green Archers elevated their record to 3-1 to stay in the second to third spots with National University, which they will next face to open a tough two-game stretch on Sunday at the same Pasay arena.
Quiambao notched 17 points, 10 rebounds, and six assists, while Phillips finally had a good game this season, finishing with 14 points, nine rebounds, and two blocks.
Nelle grabbed 15 rebounds to go with 12 points and five assists as well in the victory.
“Nagstick lang kami sa kung anong gustong ipagawa ni coach. Nag enjoy lang kami, medyo nawala yung joy namin sa paglalaro nung first half,” said Quiambao, the Season 85 Rookie of the Year.
CJ Austria was suspended for this game due to the disqualifying foul he got last Saturday against University of Santo Tomas.
Adamson, which fell to 2-2 on a triple tie with Ateneo de Manila University and University of the East for fourth to sixth, will battle the Red Warriors on Sunday.
Jhon Calisay led the Soaring Falcons with 12 points, all in the first half. Matt Erolon also chipped in 10 points.
The Scores:
DLSU 71 – Quiambao 17, M. Phillips 14, Nelle 12, Policarpio 6, Manuel 6, Nonoy 4, Nwankwo 3, Cortez 3, Escandor 2, David 2, B. Phillips 2, Macalalag 0, Abadam 0, Gollena 0.
AdU 58 – Calisay 12, Erolon 10, Manzano 8, Sabandal 7, Ojarikre 5, Montebon 3, Yerro 3, Magbuhos 3, Ramos 3, Colonia 3, Hanapi 1, Anabo 0, Barcelona 0, Canete 0.
Quarterscores: 18-13, 32-33, 61-44, 71-58.
