La Salle’s Mike Phillips celebrates during a game against Ateneo in the UAAP Season 87 men’s basketball tournament.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines–La Salle pulled away in the second half to beat rival Ateneo, 74-61, for the solo lead in the UAAP Season 87 men’s basketball tournament Sunday night at Mall of Asia Arena.
Reigning MVP Kevin Quiambao flirted with a triple-double, collecting 13 points, 13 rebounds and seven assists that came with two steals while Mike Phillips notched a double-double of his own with 13 points and 14 rebounds along with three steals.
“I think yung mindset coming into this game na kailangan ko lang mag-step up and nung game medyo binatuhan kami ng freak defense ng Ateneo, bino-box in one nila ako whole game,” Quiambao said.
SCHEDULE: UAAP Season 87 basketball
La Salle coach Topex Robinson, Kevin Quiambao and Mike Phillips after beating Ateneo. #UAAPSeason87 @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/paSk1vfvKK
— Lance Agcaoili (@LanceAgcaoilINQ) September 15, 2024
“Sabi ko na lang sa mga teammates ko na be ready lang dahil may mga moments na kayo yung malilibre na dapat may confidence kayo to take that shot and then be disciplined lang and madami pa kaming na-learn sa laro na to tulad ng mga turnovers namin na napakadami and yung mga kailangan namin i-work on moving forward,” he added as La Salle was forced to a 22-13 disadvantage in the turnovers.
JC Macalalag was also productive, chipping in nine points and five rebounds while Joshua David had eight points and seven rebounds as the Green Archers sent the Blue Eagles to their worst start in 10 seasons at 0-3.
One of the biggest differences between the two squads was the glaring discrepancy in rebounds where La Salle had a 62-38 advantage.
READ: UAAP: La Salle dominates Adamson to go 2-0 in men’s basketball
The Archers broke loose from a neck-and-neck fight in the first half after opening the third quarter on an 8-2 spurt that gave them a 10-point spread.
La Salle’s lead ballooned to as many as 20 in the final period after a three-point play by Macalalag.
Shawn Tuano was the only silver lining for Ateneo after coming up with 18 points, six rebounds, two assists and a pair of steals. Andrew Bongo had nine points while rookies Jared Bahay and Kristian Porter added eight points apiece.
La Salle’s next assignment is another skidding team in University of the East on Sunday also at MOA Arena.