Multiple players perform for La Salle in its top-seed-clinching win over rival UP in their second round encounter in the UAAP Season 87 men's basketball on Sunday, Nov. 10.
La Salle leaned on multiple players en route to an elimination round sweep of University of the Philippines as the Green Archers prevailed anew in their second-round matchup, 77-66, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Cubao Sunday night, Nov. 10.
Though reigning Most Valuable Player Kevin Quiambao made up for his subpar outing during DLSU's last game against Far Eastern U, it was not just him who ended up producing the offense for head coach Topex Robinson.
In a convincing win where the Taft-based squad pulled away in the second half, there were three players who wound up with double-digit scoring.
[WATCH: La Salle repeats over UP to secure No. 1 seed | UAAP Highlights]
In all, 11 of the 12 players fielded got themselves on the board as well.
Robinson, who regarded each of his players’ efforts, spoke highly about the team’s willingness to share the glory.
“It’s about everybody; it’s about the team. The guys were just ready to really compete against what we always say — [UP] is one of the best teams in college. So, we just tried our best to be at par and try to really compete against them.” said Robinson.
“Credit really goes to these guys for really competing and not giving up on that second half.”
It is about what each La Salle player can contribute in their second-round joust with University of the Philippines in the UAAP Season 87 men's basketball on Sunday, Nov. 10. | Photo (c) RM Chua/One Sports
Despite the Green Archers coming out on top with an 11-point margin, it was hardly a cakewalk for the defending champion as the Fighting Maroons started out strong in the second quarter where they also led by double digits, 26-37, powered by a raring JD Cagulangan.
But with an ever-reliable performance from Quiambao and Mike Phillips, and also surprising contributions from JC Macalalag and Raven Gonzales, La Salle was almost unstoppable.
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Recovering his touch, Quiambao brushed off his own production and said that he was just eager to win. He also credited his teammates and coaches in helping him re-focus on his game.
“Coming into this game, different mindset pero same approach pa rin. 'Di ako pwedeng magmukmok kung ano 'yung performance ko last game. Nandiyan 'yung teammates ko, 'yung management, 'yung coaching staff. Lagi akong sinasabihang 'Ituloy mo lang. Isa ka sa leaders dito,'” said Quiambao.
“So 'yung mga kind words nila, talagang nabubuhayan ako. And then, coming into this game, wala lang, go with the flow lang ako. 'Di ko na iniisip kung ano 'yung magiging performance ko basta manalo kami this game,” he added.
With Quiambao back in form and the rest of the Green Archers able to pick up the slack on their end, the Green Archers are looking primed to retain their crown.
Still, the fight is far from over as they have one game remaining — against National University — before Final Four action begins. They meet in their final game of the elimination round on Wednesday, Nov. 13, at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion in Espana.