La Salle’s Kevin Quiambao against UP in the UAAP Season 87 men’s basketball Finals. Photo from UAAP Media.
MANILA — De La Salle University fell short of opening the UAAP Season 87 men’s basketball Finals with a victory.
Despite holding a 41-37 lead over the University of the Philippines (UP) at halftime, the Green Archers lost steam in the second half, much like how Kevin Quiambao was limited to a single point after firing 18 markers in the first 20 minutes of gameplay.
READ: UP weathers early Quiambao onslaught, stuns La Salle for 1-0 lead
Even before the Finals started, Quiambao was already in the spotlight — not only for his second straight year of winning the MVP plum. Garnering more attention, however, were the reports of him flying to Korea to turn professional at the conclusion of their series against the Fighting Maroons.
Did this, in any way, affect the defending champions in their title defense against State U?
“No comment,” said La Salle head coach Topex Robinson when asked about the matter that was first reported by Spin.ph.
“I don’t want to comment. We’ve gone this far because of how we’ve become a united front. We will not let any negativity get in our way. We will play this championship the way we should play: As a big family.”
“Hindi naman palaging flowers and rainbows ang makikita mo eh. We’re gonna go through those rough patches, and it’s gonna define us as a team,” he continued.
Quiambao, meanwhile, begged off from any interviews as the 6-foot-6 star went straight out of Araneta from their locker room.
La Salle’s Kevin Quiambao and Mike Phillips against UP in the UAAP Season 87 men’s basketball Finals. Photo from UAAP Media.On the other hand, Mike Phillips, who did most of the heavy lifting for La Salle in the second half by scoring 12 of his 17 total markers in that span, touched on how the squad reacted to that development that even prompted a response from Rektikano.net, a group composed of La Salle alumi.
“I think Coach Topex really prepared us to be a united front no matter what happens, no matter any noise that may be from inside or outside the team. We’re really committed to everybody. Even going into Game 2, if there’s any division, it will be really seeded out,” explained Phillips.
”Even if you can just see in the locker room, the collective is still there, and I’m so happy about that,” he continued.
However, if Quiambao indeed leaves after Season 87, Mike assured that he will be of support to one of his closest teammates.
”Being a great player comes with a lot of distractions and great noise. KQ, he’s one of my brothers, and whatever the noise, I’m always behind him, and I’ll always have his back. He always plays for the name in front of his jersey, and that’s something that an MVP like him is not required to do, but he’s still doing it.
“He’s got the commitment to make La Salle his baby, Daddy KQ,” Phillips quipped of Quiambao.
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