UAAP: Kevin Quiambao scores rare triple double, leads La Salle past NU
La Salle star Kevin Quiambao in the UAAP Season 86 men’s basketball tournament. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines — Kevin Quiambao tallied the first triple-double in the UAAP men’s basketball tournament in five years as he powered La Salle past National University, 88-78, for its third straight win in Season 86 on Saturday at Mall of Asia Arena.
Quiambao delivered 17 points, 11 rebounds, and 14 assists to go with four steals to become the first player to record a triple-double since CJ Cansino’s rookie year with University of Santo Tomas exactly five years ago.
“Everything came from the system of our coaching staff. I doubled my effort because we lost to them in the first round. I don’t want that to happen again,” said Quiambao in Filipino.
The 6-foot-8 forward also dished out the most assists in a single game in the league, surpassing University of the East guard Noy Remogat’s 13 he registered their game last week at UST Quadricentennial Pavilion.
“I’m so happy with this achievement but it doesn’t end here. I will shift my focus on our next game,” Quiambao said.
Quiambao’s stellar court vision led to the Green Archers’ balanced attack. Jonnel Policarpio had 15 points, eight rebounds, and four assists, Evan Nelle also stepped up with 14 points, seven assists, and four rebounds, while Mark Nonoy chipped in 10 markers including the back-to-back triples in the fourth that kept the Bulldogs at bay.
La Salle improved to a 6-3 record in solo third place, ending NU’s five-game winning streak as the undermanned Bulldogs dropped to second with a 7-2 card.
NU missed Steve Nash Enriquez, who underwent a successful surgery on his jaw after he got elbowed last Wednesday. Reinhard Jumamoy and Jolo Manansala also rested in the game.
Omar John carried the Bulldogs with 16 points, nine rebounds, and four blocks. Kean Baclaan had 11 points, three rebounds, and two assists, while Mike Malonzo and Donn Lim added 10 markers each.
The Scores:
DLSU (88) – Quiambao 17, Policarpio 15, Nelle 14, Nonoy 10, Cortez 9, Macalalag 7, Nwankwo 5, David 4, Escandor 4, Abadam 3, Austria 0, B. Phillips 0, Gollena 0.
NU (78) – John 16, Baclaan 11, Malonzo 10, Lim 10, Figueroa 9, Palacielo 9, Casinillo 6, Gulapa 5, Parks 2, Yu 0, Galinato 0.
Quarterscores: 24-26, 50-39, 69-55, 88-78
