ON SUNDAY, the De La Salle University (DLSU) Green Archers suffered a humiliating 75-71 loss against the University of the East (UE) Red Warriors, ending the former team’s perfect record.
As they say, modest in victory and gracious in defeat.
DLSU suffered a crushing defeat at the hands of UE, despite attempting to rescue the game with a late rally in the fourth quarter on Sunday.
What happened?
The combination of JC Macalalag, Michael Phillips, and Kevin Quiambao overturned a 59-71 deficit with 2:59 minutes remaining, going on a 12-2 run to narrow the lead to two points at 71-73 with 28.4 seconds left.
Earl Abadam was able to force a jump ball with Gjerard Wilson with 17.3 seconds left in the game. The possession arrow favored the Green Archers.
In a startling change of events, the Red Warriors were penalized when Ethan Galang purposely fouled Quiambao, putting the league’s reigning MVP on the line with 15.8 seconds remaining.
Quiambao felt confident in his shot and encouraged the fans to root for him as he attempted to tie the game with his free shots. Quiambao approached the foul line with confidence, asking the audience to keep loud.
However, he missed both free shots, allowing his opponent to seal the game with two of their own. The game was out of reach with only 4.4 seconds remaining and UE leading by four.
Humbled by the loss
The Green Archers, brimming with confidence, faced the Red Warriors with a perfect record. However, DLSU head coach Topex Robinson believes the opposition squad wanted it more than they did.
“UE really wanted it more. We learned from these experiences, and it is gonna make us great,” said Robinson, who was interviewed by the media before exiting the Mall of Asia Arena.
Quiambao, the Taft-based squad’s top guy, was noticeably absent. The all-around forward finished with 13 points, nine rebounds, five assists, and a steal while shooting only 6-of-17 from the floor.
“Dadalhin ko yung learnings ko from this game. Sinabi ni coach Topex na it was a wakeup call para sa amin,” said Quiambao, after their stunning loss.
“I think yung approach namin sa game is kailangan naming respetuhin yung kalaban naming kahit anong mangyari, kahit sinong kalaban namin. This game, kumbaga sobrang nag-relax kami.”
“Bad start, tinamaan pa ng off game lahat, tapos sa depensa di kami maka-catch up. Hats off sa UE dahil sobrang prepared kami sa game na ito and mas gusto nilang manalo,” he insisted.
Still the main man
At the end of the day, a coach will always accept responsibility for the entire team’s faults. That’s what Robinson did, claiming that the blame should be directed at him rather than his players, who gave their all.
“Every time we’re gonna lose games, it’s gonna be on me. When we win games, you give credit to the players, and when we lose games, the coach will take the responsibilities, and I’m gonna stay true to my word,” said Robinson.
Robinson remarked that Quiambao’s vital missed free throws would make no difference to the Archers. Quiambao is still and will always be La Salle’s top man going ahead.
“Ito na yung sinasabi ko na KQ will win games for us, and KQ will lose games for us, but it’s not gonna change the dynamics, he’s still gonna be our guy,” he added. “Wherever he goes, we’re gonna follow.”
On September 25, the DLSU Green Archers will attempt to rebound even more determinedly against the FEU Tamaraws. The UE Red Warriors will try to capitalize on this victory when they meet the NU Bulldogs on September 28.
