De La Salle University had a two-day break for Undas. Kevin Quiambao, however, did not take a break.
The MVP frontrunner continued to work out during the Green Archers’ short break, and it paid off on Sunday night.
Quiambao was clutch as he led La Salle to an 88-79 payback win over the University of the Philippines in front of more than 13,000 fans at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
“Nagkaroon lang kami ng two-day break pero noong two-day break, hindi ko rin naman napigilan ang mag-workout,” said the 6-foot-8 point forward after the win that pushed the Archers to a 7-3 record.
“Nakabase lang ako sa programa ni Coach Migs Aytona at nagtitiwala lang ako sa kanilang programa. Sobrang maganda naman ang kinalabasan, at ngayon, nakakakita na tayo ng bunga.”
When the Fighting Maroons took the lead after being down by as much as 14, Quiambao answered with 10 points for La Salle.
That run restored order and rebuilt an 84-77 lead with 1:49 to go.
He finished with 22 points, shooting 50 percent from the field (6-of-12) and 90 percent from the free-throw line (9-of-10), while also grabbing 12 rebounds and recording three steals.
“For me, sinunod ko lang yung system ni coach. Sa takeover, hindi ako naniniwala diyan,” he said.
“Talagang dinoble ko lang ang effort ko and good thing naman yung sitwasyon umaayon sa akin and laging nasa isip ko hinding hindi kami pwede matalo this game dahil every game matters na this second round,” continued the Season 85 Rookie of the Year.
With a 7-3 record, the Green Archers are knocking on the doors of UP and NU Bulldogs, who are tied for the first and second spots with similar 8-2 records. They all have four games left in the elimination round.
With his sensational performance, especially down the stretch, Quiambao heard chants of “MVP! MVP!” from the green-clad fans during his free throw attempts.
Admittedly, he felt the emotions when half of the arena adored him. However, the Muntinlupa pride knows there’s more work to do.
“For me, sobrang nakakaoverwhelm pero malayo pa ang season, focused lang kami kung ano ang nasa harap namin,” Quiambao said on the MVP chants.
