The DLSU Green Archers successfully bounced back from their prior loss in the first round to defeat the NU Bulldogs, taking the UAAP Season 86 Round Two game between the two sides, 88-78.
Surpassing his spectacular double-double performance against UST, MVP-frontrunner Kevin Quiambao carried the Green Archers to victory with 17 points, 11 rebounds, and 14 assists. The Season 85 Rookie of the Year’s 14 assists set an all-time UAAP record, while his triple-double makes for the tournament’s first in five years. Jonnel Policarpio backed up Quiambao with 15 points and eight rebounds, while La Salle’s reliable guards, Even Nelle, and Mark Nonoy, also chipped in 14 and 10 points, respectively.
In a losing effort, the NU Bulldogs’ big man Omar John led his team both in offense and defense, tallying 16 points, nine rebounds, and four blocks. Three more NU players contributed double digits for the Blue and Gold, with Kean Baclaan contributing 11 points and Mike Malonzo and Donn Lim both bringing in 10 for the team.
Running the floor
DLSU jumped to an early 12-5 lead, with Quiambao and Nelle drilling back-to-back three-pointers to open up the game. However, John began to go to work on the low block, allowing NU to tie the game before Jake Figueroa hit a three to take the lead, 15-12. Exiting the TV timeout, the La Salle bench opted for a small-ball five, with Quiambao and Policarpio playing the power forward and center.
The adjustment initially allowed NU to easily get looks inside, but as the Green Archers settled into the game, they managed to end the quarter down by two on a 6-3 mini run spearheaded by Policarpio’s back-to-back lay-ins and smooth assist to Nonoy, 26-24.
After a mixed opening period of play, the Green Archers kicked into high gear in the second quarter. Joshua David and Nelle answered NU to tie the score at 28-all. In a far cry from their Round One match against the Bulldogs, the team from Taft showcased tough and disciplined defense to limit NU to just one basket in the first five minutes of the second quarter as they unleashed a 13-2 run. The catalyst of that spell was none other than MVP front-runner Quiambao. The NU Nazareth School product showed his hustle by collecting an offensive rebound before dishing it to Nwankwo for an and-one basket, 39-28. He then scored a putback of his own before dropping another dime to Nelle to cap off the momentum swing, 41-28.
Securing the game
Bringing their fast-paced offense from the first half of the game into the second, the Green Archers continued their groove, not letting the Bulldogs steal the lead from their hands. Nwankwo kicked off the third quarter with a follow-up tip-off of a missed Gollena floater, 52-41.
More than exhibiting his offensive prowess, Quiambao managed to share the ball. A sly no-look pass from Quiambao to Policarpio surprised everyone on the bleachers, 63-49. A quick pass from Quiambao to the running David for a layup gave the Taft-based team a 16-point lead, 67-51.
With less than a minute left, frustration all over the NU side became evident, but Figueroa and Palacielo both landed two-out-of-two free throws to slightly narrow the gap at the end of the third quarter, still in favor of DLSU, 69-55.
Even with the huge lead, the Green and White kept their eyes on the game and did not succumb to a lax performance to close out the battle. Raven Cortez opened the final quarter with a follow-up on a missed shot by Nelle, 71-55. Still, with the hot hand, Quiambao made back-to-back points with a two-point jumper and a floater, respectively, 78-63. The Bulldogs could not contain the continuous offense of the Taft-based squad as DLSU kept the double-digit lead throughout the fourth quarter to seal the victory, 88-78.
Making history
In a historical performance, Quiambao recorded the first triple-double in the UAAP in exactly five years since 2018. After his team pulled out and rebounded 48-35, DLSU Deputy Coach Gian Nazario mentioned that it was a specific part of their plan, especially at the guard position. “Aside from the standing heading into this game, we were really focused on controlling the boards. During the first round, NU really dominated us there…Talaga ‘yun yung naging challenge namin and we were really happy [that] it was addressed well today,” he expressed.
(That really was the challenge for us.)
Following his historic outing, Quiambao was quick to downplay what was a special performance by a nonetheless special player, saying “Syempre masaya pero nanggaling naman lahat yan sa system nila coach (Topex Robinson). Nag-doble effort lang ako dahil yung first round nga natalo kami sa kanila.”
(Of course, I’m happy, but it all comes from the system of Coach Topex. I just strengthened my efforts because we lost to them in the first round.)
Following this redemption victory, the DLSU Green Archers seek to continue climbing the standings when they play after the upcoming break. They return to the court this November 5, 6 pm, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena for their matchup against the top-seeded UP Fighting Maroons.
The Scores:
DLSU 88 – Quiambao 17, Policarpio 15, Nelle 14, Nonoy 10, Cortez 9, Macalalag 7, Nwankwo 5, David 4, Escandor 4, Abadam 3
NU 78 – John 16, Baclaan 11, Malonzo 10, Lim 10, Figueroa 9, Palacielo 9, Casinillo 6, Gulapa 5, Parks 2
Quarter Scores: 24-26, 50-39, 69-55, 88-78
