THE University of the Philippines (UP) Fighting Maroons’ UAAP Finals Game 2 losing run continued, as Kevin Quiambao steered the De La Salle University (DLSU) Green Archers to a 76-75 win at the SM Mall of Asia Arena, Pasay City.
Just as everyone was starting to doubt Quiambao, he responded by reminding them why he is still at the top of the league, leading DLSU to a much-needed victory and forcing a do-or-die Game 3 against UP.
In front of 17,112 fans, the Green Archers staged a dramatic comeback from a nine-point deficit in the fourth quarter, demonstrating how much they want to avenge their Game 1 loss to the Fighting Maroons.
As expected, the atmosphere inside the MOA Arena was heated, as both teams had something to show in this game, with UP looking to break their Game 2 curse and DLSU hoping to extend their season.
Intensity through the roof
UP’s Francis Lopez started the first quarter with an immediate foul-counted dipsy-do layup and finished it with the same move. However, a buzzer-beating tip-in by JC Macalalag extended DLSU’s lead to 28-22.
The Green Archers settled down in the second quarter, finishing the first half with a 39-36 edge. However, the Fighting Maroons responded by unleashing their ever-reliable third-quarter magic.
Gerry Abadiano went on a personal seven-point run, while JD Cagulangan hit three consecutive three-pointers to not only give UP the lead, but also the momentum they needed heading into the fourth quarter, 62-54.
Photo Courtesy: UAAP Media Group
The fourth quarter remains a different animal for the league. Last night’s game went down to the wire and became increasingly interesting, demonstrating to all UAAP fans that a game can be anyone’s until the final buzzer sounds.
However, as the saying goes, major games like the finals are only for the best players. Quiambao demonstrated to everyone that there is a lot more in his bag of tricks than most of us have seen yet.
Never doubt the back-to-back MVP
With 6:25 remaining in the fourth quarter, UP was forced to call a timeout after the 6-foot-7 Quiambao hit a crucial three-pointer, 63-67, to save a game that was steadily sliding away from them.
However, the Fighting Maroons responded with two free throws by Quentin Millora-Brown and a floater by Cagulangan. This gave them a comfortable lead entering the final half of the quarter.
KQ would not let UP’s lead of up to eight points with a few minutes left in the game deter him, instead doubling his effort to lead DLSU to one of the UAAP’s most historic Game 2 comebacks.
Photo Courtesy: UAAP Media Group
Following a missed three by Quiambao, JC Macalalag was left wide open for a three, giving them new life. Mike Phillips followed up with his own floater, reducing the deficit to five with 2:39 left.
Despite being well defended by UP’s Jacob Bayla, the Gilas Pilipinas member was able to hit a tough stepback three-point shot. KQ took another gutsy top of the key three to retake the lead, 74-73, on the next possession.
Millora-Brown responded for UP, scoring a basket to give them a 75-74 lead with 1:20 remaining. Fortunately, Quiambao found an open Phillips to respond with a basket, regaining the lead once and for all.
The Diliman-based squad still had a chance to win or tie the game, but Lopez’s untimely errors, free throw misses, and turnovers cost UP the chance to finish out the series and end the curse.
DLSU lives another day
Shortly after the game was done, emotions began to stream forth for the Green Archers, who had played their hearts out despite the pressure they were under after losing Game 1 in a disappointing way.
Photo Courtesy: UAAP Media Group
One of them was Quiambao, who had a single point in the second half of Game 1 but rebounded with 22 points on 7-of-14 shooting, nine rebounds, two assists, and a steal last night.
“I think it’s all about mental toughness lang,” said Quiambao. “Our bodies are so banged up na kaming lahat. For me, after that Game 1 loss, two days ako walang tulog, inisip ko kung anong puwede pang ipatulong ko sa team.“
“Marami akong regrets noong Game 1 na, sana ginawa ko ‘to, sana ginawa ko ‘yon, so this time sabi ko lang sa mga teammates ko na enjoy niyo lang ‘yung moment. No pressure, and then tiwala lang sa isa’t isa.”
Photo Courtesy: UAAP Media Group
Prior to Game 2, Quiambao joined a select club of student-athletes who have earned back-to-back UAAP Men’s Basketball Most Valuable Player (MVP) awards, earning P190,000 in cash.
“Crunch time, it’s all about ownership. We were struggling the whole game, we were rattled nung third quarter. As a leader sa team, wala akong masabi. Lead by example,” Quiambao went on to share.
Trust of a leader
On the other hand, DLSU head coach Topex Robinson is still impressed with his main man’s character and leadership. Despite the fact that he is about to get his award before the game, he prioritizes what is necessary to win.
Photo Courtesy: UAAP Media Group
“When we were planning how we were going to approach Game 2, there were a lot of discussions amongst the coaches, and when I told KQ that he wouldn’t start, he just said, ‘Okay, coach,’” Robinson shared.
“That’s already a sign of somebody who trusts the system, trusts the person calling the shots, and you don’t hear any questions from him. No reaction. He said, ‘Kung ano yung makakabuti sa team, doon ako, coach,’” he added.
Aside from KQ, Phillips had an outstanding game with 18 points, 12 rebounds, and two steals, building on his double-double performance of 17 points and 11 rebounds in the series opener last Sunday.
UP, on the other hand, relied on Lopez, Cagulangan, and Abadiano, all of whom scored 16 points, as well as Millora-Brown, who scored 11, but has yet to win a Game 2 since their championship run in early 2022.
The two teams will resume their tight action come Game 3 of the Season 87 Finals on Sunday at 5:30 PM, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City, where the Green Archers won the series last season.
