UAAP: Kevin Quiambao says he owes new career-best to teammates

La Salle Green Archers’ star Kevin Quiambao during a UAAP Season 87 men’s basketball game against UST Growling Tigers. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines — Kevin Quiambao attributed his new career-high to the support of his teammates as La Salle found ways to quash University of Santo Tomas’ gallant stand in the UAAP Season 87 men’s basketball tournament.

With the defending champions pushed to their limits, Quiambao brought out his best scoring yet of 29 points on 4-of-6 three-point shootings, along with nine rebounds and three assists.

But the reigning MVP, who has a newborn baby as his main motivation, chose to focus on the hard-earned victory–La Salle’s fifth straight–instead of basking in the glory of his most recent feat.

READ: Topex tells new dad Kevin Quiambao: ‘Be a responsible father, partner’

“My motivation comes from seeing my teammates happy, which pushes me to give my best every possession. If I achieved this career-high, the credit goes to them because I couldn’t have done it without their support,” Quiambao told reporters after the 94-87 win.

“It was more important that we won than just getting a personal best than losing. I always think about needing to win for the team, and my personal achievements will come later. I’m grateful for what I achieved, but I stay focused on the bigger picture,” he added.

WATCH: For Kevin Quiambao, "buhay ay di career-high." #UAAPSeason87 | @LanceAgcaoilINQ pic.twitter.com/otiUPvjLNz

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The Gilas Pilipinas forward had a chance to bounce back after struggling with 10 points against the University of the East last Saturday.

Kevin Quiambao and the La Salle Green Archers in the UAAP Season 87 men’s basketball tournament. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

“After a bad game against UE, I just worked hard again. I got healthy, and my nervous system recovered and I got my groove back,” Quiambao said.

Quiambao’s career best almost got foiled by a Growling Tigers side desperate for a win. The Green Archers gave up 26 turnovers and blew a 20-point lead, leaving the door wide open for UST to force overtime.

But heeding coach Topex Robinson’s call, La Salle got its bearing together right away and dominated in the extra five minutes to zap the life out of UST.

READ: UAAP: Quiambao says La Salle culture plays heavy role in early success

“As a leader, when I make mistakes, I just acknowledge them and say, ‘That was my fault, let’s move on to the next play.’ We shouldn’t force things; we should just wait for the game to come to us,” Quiambao said.

“We just need to stick to the system and not get distracted because we have a tendency to go our own way when the opponent is on a run. We told each other as veterans to keep fighting, value every possession, and just do what we’re asked to do,” he said.

With an 8-1 record as the Final Four race heats up, Quiambao and Green Archers are eager to embrace the learnings from this close shave.

“We shouldn’t let anything break our momentum. It’s a learning curve for us, and there’s still a lot we can improve. This game is a lesson to not be overconfident and to play hard from the first to the fourth quarter,” he said.