La Salle superstar Kevin Quiambao in action. UAAP Media
MANILA, Philippines (UPDATED) – Kevin Quiambao showed on Saturday why he's the reigning Most Valuable Player (MVP) in the UAAP men's basketball tournament.
Quiambao showcased his offensive prowess, resetting his career-high at 33 points built on five triples to tow defending champion De La Salle University past Ateneo de Manila University, 80-65, in their Season 87 round 2 matchup at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
The La Salle superstar grabbed 13 rebounds, had two assists and a steal, and was the only Green Archer in double-digit territory.
READ: UAAP: Surging La Salle looks to extend winning streak vs Ateneo
His previous career-best was 29 points which was just renewed 10 days ago when they played against University of Santo Tomas.
"Actually, yesterday during our mass, there was a chance I get to see a glance of him [Kevin Quiambao] on my right. Sabi ko, parang 'sobrang bait naman ni Lord [na] binigay 'tong mamang 'to sa amin,'" said coach Topex Robinson during the postgame press conference.
"I think what I really admire about KQ is the work that he puts it," Robinson added.
READ: Still a lot of work to be done for Ateneo despite win streak, says Coach Tab
Quiambao, although, downplayed his premier scoring night, saying he was just doing what he was told—sticking to the game plan.
"Nag-stick lang ako sa system, kung ano lang 'yung pinapagawa, kumbaga nag-stick lang kami sa game plan."
Just when the Blue Eagles trimmed the La Salle lead to single digits at the 3:47 mark in the payoff period, 75-64, Quiambao shut down the late rally of the Katipunan cagers with a massive slam.
Mike Phillips followed it through with a second-chance conversion and Joshua David put away Ateneo for good after his basket from the rainbow country bounced in luckily.
La Salle (10-1) stretched its unbeaten streak to league-best seven matches, while the Blue Eagles dropped down to 3-7.
Jared Bahay paced the losing side with his best scoring output by far, listing 22 points to go along with four dimes and two boards.
The scores:
DLSU (80) – Quiambao 33, David 9, Gollena 9, Austria 7, Marasigan 7, Macalalag 5, M. Phillips 4, Ramiro 3, Gonzales 2, Dungo 1, Agunanne 0.
Ateneo (65) – Bahay 22, Koon 9, Porter 8, Tuano 8, Espinosa 6, Lazaro 6, Quitevis 5, Bongo 1, Balogun 0, Ong 0, Gamber 0, Espina 0.
Quarterscores: 17-11, 42-33, 63-48, 80-65
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