THERE is no unbeaten team at the completion of the first round of UAAP Season 87, as the De La Salle University (DLSU) Green Archers defeated the University of the Philippines (UP) Fighting Maroons 68-56 at Mall of Asia Arena.
In front of 16,106 fans, La Salle proved to be UP’s kryptonite, dealing them their first loss of the season and claiming the top seed in the standings at the end of the first round.
TAFT wins!
DLSU and UP got the much-anticipated showdown start quickly, exchanging baskets one after the other. Kevin Quiambao, on the other hand, carried them in the first quarter, scoring nine points early on to give them a 19-13 advantage.
In the second quarter, the Taft-based team maintained its momentum, thanks to strong shooting, to take the game’s largest lead at 35-15. However, UP responded with a 10-3 run to narrow the advantage before halftime.
Carrying over the late momentum from the second quarter, Harold Alarcon went on a personal 8-point run, followed by four more points in the third quarter, to tie the game at 42.
Despite having their best quarter, the Fighting Maroons were silenced by Quiambao’s effort before the third quarter concluded, which included a three-pointer and a difficult fallaway shot.
Building on Quiambao’s outstanding effort, La Salle shooting guards Joshua David, Jc Macalalag, and EJ Gollena added big baskets of their own to seal the victory for the evening.
Just another day
Despite the great win, Quiambao stated that the victory would only be celebrated that evening, and that the entire squad will focus on their modifications for the tournament’s second round.
“Our coaching staff told us to believe and have faith that we could beat any team. Our loss to UE was a wake-up call for us. We were so eager to get this win because we still have a lot to improve on,” said Quiambao.
“Coming into this second round, focus kami sa next game namin. Itong panalo na binigay ni lord, tapos na ‘to, kinabukasan panibagong araw na naman.”
Meanwhile, DLSU assistant coach Gian Nazario agreed with what the versatile forward remarked. He believes that, despite winning the game against UP, the club still has a lot to improve on.
“We still have a lot to work on and a lot to learn kasi kung masatisfy na kami dito, that would be our downfall. So, I think what’s best is these guys will be able to recover tomorrow, and practice na ulit.”
“Yun naman talaga ang kailangan namin eh. Just like what KQ said also, we enjoyed the day, enjoyed the win. But tomorrow’s another day.”
Quiambao completed with a double-double of 20 points and 10 rebounds, along with three assists, one steal, and one block. Sweet shooting David contributed 14 points and seven rebounds.
Meanwhile, floor general JD Cagulangan remained sidelined, but Alarcon led the Fighting Maroons with 19 points, five rebounds, and three steals. Quentin Millora-Brown finished with 10 points, 10 rebounds, and four blocks.
