La Salle star Kevin Quiambao hangs from the rim during a UAAP game. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines — La Salle turned back Adamson, 69-57, to book its return to the Final Four and extend its winning streak to five games in the UAAP Season 86 men’s basketball tournament on Wednesday evening at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Kevin Quiambao, the MVP frontrunner, sustained his fine play, leading the collective effort of the Green Archers with 11 points, 11 rebounds, and three assists to help his team improve to 8-3 and become the third team to enter the semifinals this year, joining league leaders National University and University of the Philippines, who are tied at 9-2.
Mike Phillips stepped up with eight points, 11 rebounds, four assists, and two steals. Josh David, JC Macalalag, and Earl Abadam also scored eight points each, while Evan Nelle had seven markers, nine rebounds, and two assists.
La Salle’s Mike Phillips in a UAAP game. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
After missing the Final Four last season with a playoff loss to Adamson, La Salle exacted a sweet revenge on the same team in coach Topex Robinson’s first season.
“We’re just so grateful and blessed to be in this situation right now that we’re in. These guys just never gave up. It was really hard coming off the game against UP, never took a break. Just keep on grinding,” said Robinson. “Guys are hurt. So these guys really are warriors and then we’re just happy that you know we slug it out with Adamson and got the win tonight.”
La Salle missed the services of Jonnel Policarpio, who was under the weather, and Raven Cortez due to an injury. But the Green Archers were able to stave off the Falcons’ late rally by limiting them to just seven points in the fourth quarter.
La Salle eyes its sixth straight win and boosts its chances for a twice-to-beat advantage against University of the East on Sunday at the Big Dome.
Adamson’s two-game winning streak was snapped by the hottest UAAP team right now, dropping to a 5-6 record tied with Ateneo at No.4 ahead of their crucial duel on Sunday at the same venue.
Didat Hanapi led the Falcons with 16 points. Montebon had 11 points and five rebounds, while Joem Sabandal added 10 markers and six boards.
The scores:
DLSU (69) – Quiambao 11, M. Phillips 8, David 8, Macalalag 8, Abadam 8, Nelle 7, Nonoy 5, Austria 4, Nwankwo 4, Escandor 2, Gollena 2, Manuel 2, B. Phillips 0.
AdU (57) – Hanapi 16, Montebon 11, Sabandal 10, Calisay 7, Manzano 4, Yerro 3, Ojarikre 2, Colonia 2, Ramos 2, Anabo 0, Magbuhos 0, Cañete 0, Erolon 0, Barasi 0, Barcelona 0.
Quarterscores: 20-18, 43-34, 54-50, 69-57