La Salle Green Archers’ Kevin Quiambao during the UAAP Season 87 men’s basketball tournament game against UE Red Warriors. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines— Kevin Quiambao’s emotions were at an all-time high in La Salle’s first loss of the UAAP Season 87 men’s basketball tournament at the hands of University of the East.
Quimabao buckled down at the end game, determined to prevent the Red Warriors from blemishing Green Archers’ undefeated record.
That, of course, didn’t happen as UE pulled off a stunner against the defending champions, 75-71, to improve to a 2-2 card and send the Green Archers to No. 2 at 3-1.
SCHEDULE: UAAP Season 87 basketball
But those emotions that usually fuel Quiambao also got the better of him.
The reigning UAAP MVP, already with nine points, was called for a foul with 4:41 to go in the third period. Quiambao reacted by shouting at the officials questioning the call, which got him a warning.
Quiambao was about to explode further, but coach Topex Robinson stepped in to calm down his team’s star big man.
READ: UAAP: UE gets hot, delivers La Salle’s first loss in men’s basketball
“That just makes Kevin human. Sometimes he’ll lose it but we have a balance. When I’m out of control, he’s the one who tries to pacify me,” said Robinson.
“Now I’m on the other side, I’m more in control of my emotions so I reminded him, we still have a full quarter to play and we just had to move forward.”
La Salle coach Topex Robinson. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
Despite La Salle’s narrow loss, Quiambao ended up with 17 points, nine rebounds and five assists.
Quiambao did it all, and then some, but missed two crucial free throws with 15.8 seconds left before John Abate’s two freebies sealed the win for UE.
READ: UAAP: Quiambao says La Salle culture plays heavy role in early success
“I told him, it is what it is,” said Robinson.
“There’ll be a time when he’ll take big shots and make some but this is the time when he misses it. What’s important for us is we’ll always try to protect each other. We’re always going to be a united front.”
Robinson and Quiambao’s tandem looks to power La Salle back to the win column on Wednesday when they face Far Eastern University, which is still winless after four games.