UAAP: Loss to UE lit a fire under La Salle, admits Kevin Quiambao

La Salle Green Archers’ star Kevin Quiambao during the game against UP Fighting Maroons in the UAAP Season 87 men’s basketball tournament. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines — Kevin Quiambao believes the stunning loss to University of the East fueled La Salle Green Archers back to the top of the standings at the end of the first round in the UAAP Season 87 men’s basketball tournament.

Quiambao and La Salle asserted their mastery of UP Fighting Maroons and handed their rivals their first loss, 68-56, in front of more than 16,000 fans at Mall of Asia Arena. in the first game between the Season 86 Finalists this season.

Last season’s and Finals MVP said the players themselves initiated the adjustments after succumbing to fiesty UE midway through the first round.

UAAP: La Salle hands UP its first loss to claim No. 1 spot

insisted it’s all about believing and having faith in each other to finish the first round with six wins in seven games — winning three in a row since the UE loss.

“We had a players’ meeting, and we said that pressure is a privilege. Since we lost to UE, we just stuck to our system. I sacrificed my role as a veteran, realizing I don’t always need to score. I also need to involve my teammates. Since we made those adjustments, a lot of good things have happened to us,” said Quiambao.

“That’s when we realized that we should always follow the coaches because in our first four games, we were a bit off from the system and what we wanted to do. Since we started sticking to the system, everyone sacrificed their roles and believed that we can beat any team.”

Knowing the targets on La Salle’s back this season, the Gilas Pilipinas player said the team is dealing with the pressure of leading the pack in this unpredictable season by sticking together.

SCHEDULE: UAAP Season 87 basketball

“When I feel pressured, I just focus on what I still need to improve and on my mistakes, then I adjust and learn,” said Quiambao.

“The good thing is, we’re 16 in the team, and all my teammates are there for me. All the coaches tell me to lead by example, and if I feel pressured, they’re here for me.”

We’re united, and that’s what coach Topex [Robinson] tells me—that no one gets left behind, no matter what happens, win

With the top spot on lock after the first round, Quiambao and La Salle are bracing for a tougher second round where the race for the Final Four will start to take shape.

“We still have a lot to improve on, and as you saw, even though we executed our plays, many things were still lacking. Going into the second round, we’re focused on our next game. This win that the Lord gave us is done, and we’ll just enjoy tonight. Tomorrow is a new day,” he said.