MANILA – Kevin Quiambao delivered a career performance as De La Salle University Green Archers prevailed over Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles, 80-65, in the UAAP Season 87 men’s basketball on Saturday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
The reigning UAAP MVP finished with a career-high of 33 points to go with 12 rebounds, two assists, and a steal as the Green Archers remained on top of the standings with a 10-1 win-loss slate.
Quiambao did most of the damage in the opening half, allowing the Green Archers to establish an 18-point advantage, but the Blue Eagles went on a late push to cut the deficit to 65-75 with over a minute left.
The Green Archers, however, thwarted the Blue Eagles’ uprising with Michael Phillips connecting on an inside conversion followed by a three-pointer from Joshua David for an 80-65 advantage.
“We expected this kind of game because we know that they are coming off a good run. Their guys are really picking up (Blue Eagles head coach Tab Baldwin’s) system,” said DLSU head coach Topex Robinson after the game.
Jared Bahay was the lone double-digit scorer for the Blue Eagles with a career best of 22 points to go with four assists and two rebounds as they dropped to a 3-10 win-loss slate.
Meanwhile, University of the East Red Warriors got back to their winning ways after a 74-58 rout over the slumping National University Bulldogs.
Precious Momowei tallied a double-double of 17 points and 17 rebounds, while Wello Lingolingo and Ethan Galang added 14 and 12, respectively, as the Red Warriors improved to a 6-3 win-loss slate.
The Red Warriors made their presence felt early with a 9-0 start, setting the tone for a lopsided game where they led by as many as 23 points at 69-46 in the fourth quarter.
“Actually, ‘yung suspension ng games namin may positive impact din kasi it allowed us to fix our rotation by including those who were seldom used,” Red Warriors head coach Jack Santiago said after the game./PN
