EcOoil La Salle’s Kevin Quiambao in the PBA D-League finals Game 2. –PBA IMAGES
MANILA, Philippines—For the second day in a row, Kevin Quiambao pulled La Salle out of disaster, this time lifting his team past Marinerong Pilipino, 70-63, in Game 2 of the PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup finals at Araneta Coliseum on Thursday.
Despite finishing with just six points, five rebounds and seven assists, the Gilas cadet sank the all-important shot that would send the best-of-three series into a decider for the title.
The Skippers were just at sniping distance, 66-62, when Quiambao drove the lane and stopped on a dime to nail the pivotal fadeaway jumper.
Quiambao also played a key role in La Salle’s win in the Filoil Preseason Cup on Tuesday.
The big man, however, fouled newly-name D-League MVP Juan Gomez de Liaño from deep, resulting in three free throw attempts with 21.6 remaining. Unfortunately for Marinerong Pilipino, he went one-for-three from the line.
“I’m proud of how the boys kept their poise earlier. We became a little negative when they were coming close, it’s like we’re playing not to lose but we were able to make big baskets [in the end],” EcoOil-La Salle head coach Derick Pumaren said.
The Green Archers fumbled an 11-point lead in the second quarter, 41-30.
The lead came from a strong opening period where the Skippers trailed, 20-10.
Mike Phillips led La Salle with a dominant double-double of 18 points and 14 rebounds. DeSchon Winston also poured 15.
Jollo Go was the highest scorer for the Skippers with 21 while MVP De Liaño had 14 markers, four boards and four assists.
The do-or-die game three will be next week Wednesday, 12 p.m., at the same venue.