Will we see a different Green Archers in the second round?
The De La Salle Green Archers were at the top of their game to start the second round of UAAP Season 86, as they decimated the UST Growling Tigers, 100-69 on Wednesday.
The one-sided affair, which took place at the Mall of Asia Arena, was underscored by rookie Jonnel Policarpio, who had a breakout performance to the tune of 14 points, 11 rebounds, and five assists.
Still, the main man for the Animo squad was sophomore sensation Kevin Quiambao after he posted all-around norms of 22 points, 12 rebounds, six assists, and five steals.
That stellar stat line just added more fuel to his scorching MVP bid this season. KQ ended the first round as the frontrunner to win the tourney’s top individual honor, having garnered 84.714 statistical points.
During the postgame press conference, the 22-year-old big man revealed their winning approach in the second round.
“Focus kami kung ano ‘yung nasa harap namin. Kung ano ‘yung mga pagkakamali namin sa first round, marami kaming natutunan doon,” Quiambao said.
Despite his brilliance, La Salle, tagged as one of the main contenders for the title, underwhelmed in the first round, finishing with a 4-3 record.
But Quiambao suggested that the Green Archers now know exactly what to do to avoid a second-round letdown. He may be telling the truth, given how he and his crew crushed the Growling Tigers, who were coming off an upset win over the FEU Tamaraws.
“Coming into the second round, kailangan namin mag-adjust, especially as a team. Kailangan pa namin mag-stick more to the system. And enjoy lang sa laro,” said the 6-foot-8 Quiambao.
KQ and the rest of the 5-3 Green Archers will look to have another strong performance against the NU Bulldogs on Saturday.
UST, meanwhile, suffered its seventh loss in eight games.
(PM)