La Salle has full confidence in reigning MVP Kevin Quiambao to get it through rival Ateneo in the UAAP Season 87 men's basketball on Saturday, Oct. 26.
There is no room for doubt when it comes to La Salle and its star, Kevin Quiambao.
A partnership that has brought the UAAP crown back to Taft last year — and possibly another one this Season 87 — the Green Archers have no problem leaving it all up to the capable hands of the reigning Most Valuable Player.
During La Salle's storied rivalry game against Ateneo in the second round of action in the UAAP Season 87 men's basketball, Quiambao tallied a new career-high with a 33-point explosion at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay Saturday night, Oct. 26.
He was the only one in double-digit scoring for coach Topex Robinson’s Green Archers as they secured the wire-to-wire 80-65 victory.
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While for some, that may be a cause of concern, it is not something surprising for the Taft-based squad since their system is centered around the high-scoring dynamo.
"Sinabi sa amin ni coach (Robinson) na after this game, medyo matagal 'yung break namin, so give ninyo 'yung all-out ninyo. Hinintay ko lang 'yung game na kusang pumunta sa'kin. And then sabi kasi ni coach, 'Magbuwakaw ka,' eh. Kaya binuwakaw ko na. Sumusunod lang po ako. Pasensiya na," said a smiling Quiambao, eliciting laughter from Robinson and the press.
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Kevin Quiambao's hot scoring hands gives him another career-high mark of 33 points in La Salle's win over Ateneo in the UAAP Season 87 men's basketball on Saturday, Oct. 26. | Photo (c) RM Chua/One Sports
Because Quiambao is the reigning MVP, he does have more touches on the ball compared to his teammates. And when you are producing offense the way Quiambao does, it is really not a problem.
Robinson said that the team's trust in Quiambao stems from his work ethic.
"I think what I really admire about KQ is the work he puts in. Nobody on our team will question the work that he does in setting the tone, the standard for our team. And then, 'yun na nga, you just have to trust him," said Robinson.
During a game where veteran center Mike Phillips struggled, Quiambao continued to be the steady anchor that the Green Archers have needed him to be.
Though going 10-of-22 from the field overall, he was a scorching 5-of-11 from three-point land that helped them fend off the upset-seeking Blue Eagles.
Playing heavy minutes with more than 36 minutes of action, Quiambao came through with a herculean effort laced with a double-double. He flaunted 33 points and 13 rebounds with two assists and a steal to boot.
And with Quiambao leading the charge, it has nearly been perfect for La Salle as it stands atop the standings with a 10-1 slate.
Still, with tougher assignments left in their three-game push in the elimination round including a rematch against heated rival University of the Philippines next month, other Green Archers will be hard-pressed to step up their game.
But first, a long break is in order for La Salle as it takes more than a week off.
The pacesetting team returns to action against Far Eastern U on Wednesday, Nov. 6, in the same Pasay venue.