The La Salle Green Archers vowed to be a better team in their next game against the National University Bulldogs.
Green Archers’ coach Topex Robinson said this after Kevin Quiambao struck hard in the third quarter, pouring in 15 of this 17 points to power the Green Archers to a 71-58 smothering of the Adamson Falcons on Wednesday evening in the UAAP Season 86 Men’s Basketball Tournament at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
“This experience will just get us better. It doesn’t matter who we are going to face next,” said Robinson after the Green Archers took time to get their game going in the right direction.
La Salle went on to post their third win in four outings, to share second spot with the National University Bulldogs.
Four of Quiambao’s big points came from two charities, a triple and jumper during a pivotal 21-0 run that allowed La Salle to overcome a 37-38 deficit and move away, 58-38, in the final 1:23 of third period.
“Sa first half, naglaro kami ng complacent basketball. Sa second half, naka adapt na kami. Nag-enjoy lang kami,” said Quiambao, who also had 10 rebounds and six assists.
The Falcons, with Jhon Calisay making 12 points, fell to 2-2 for a triple tie with the Ateneo Blue Eagles and the University of the East Warriors for fourth to sixth.
“It was really a challenging game for us. We know Adamson is going come out in this game with a lot of confidence after their last game,” said Robinson.
Michael Phillips hit 14 points for the Green Archers, while Evan Nelle scored 12.
Meanwhile, the Bulldogs bounced back from their 60-78 loss to the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons with an 87-69 smothering of the University of Tomas Growling Tigers.
Michael Malonzo fired 14 points for the Bulldogs, who joined La Salle in staying behind the league-leading University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons (4-0).
“It all boils down sa mga players, how they perform. Sila ‘yung gumawa ng game plan, hindi naman ako. It’s up to them how will they deliver,” said Bulldogs’ head coach Jeff Napa.