The supposed powerhouse is 3-3 in UAAP Season 86
Expect the unexpected should be college basketball’s official slogan. After all, unpredictability is a big reason why collegiate hoops is perpetually exciting.
The De La Salle Green Archers, however, have ended up on the wrong side of surprising developments, at least in the first round of UAAP Season 86.
Coming into the tournament, the young hoopers from Taft were among the heavy favorites, alongside the stacked UP Fighting Maroons, to dethrone the Ateneo Blue Eagles. But six games in, the Topex-Robinson squad has only won thrice and has yet to beat a top contender.
The Green Archers’ first defeat was against Ateneo, followed by an overtime loss to the NU Bulldogs. Their latest setback was a nail-biting loss to UP on Wednesday.
With one game left to play in the first round, La Salle’s sophomore sensation Kevin Quiambao sent a strong message to his team and the entire Animo community.
“Keep the faith,” he wrote on his Instagram Story.
The reigning Rookie of the Year has been fantastic for the Green Archers this season. So far, Quiambao has been averaging 16.8 points, 9.6 rebounds, and 3.6 assists.
However, his best performances came in losses against the Blue Eagles and the Bulldogs. The 22-year-old KQ posted 17 points, 14 rebounds, and seven assists versus Ateneo and had an output of 25 points, nine rebounds, and four assists against NU.
Quiambao and the rest of the Green Archers will try to end the first round on a high note as they take on the UE Red Warriors this Saturday.
(PM)