UAAP: Kevin Quiambao lifts La Salle past NU in tight encounter

Metro Manila, Philippines — Kevin Quiambao delivered when it mattered most for De La Salle University as the Green Archers escaped the National University (NU) Bulldogs, 78-75, in UAAP Season 87 men’s basketball on Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.

The reigning season and Finals Most Valuable Player knocked down the go-ahead three-point to break the 75-all deadlock at the dying seconds of the match to cap off the Green Archers’ 14-4 run.

Quiambao finished with 22 points, eight rebounds, and seven assists for La Salle.

The Bulldogs were looking to pull off the stunner as they held a seven-point lead in the final frame, but the Green Archers showed championship composure in their comeback.

Mike Phillips contributed 12 points and 11 rebounds, while EJ Gollena was the other La Salle cager who scored in double digits with 10 points.

Jake Figueroa paced NU with 15 markers and grabbed five boards.

The Green Archers will next face the Adamson University Soaring Falcons on Sept. 11, while the Bulldogs tackle the Far Eastern University on Sept. 14. Both games will be at the Big Dome.