It was a long time coming.
October 28 seems to be a day for triple-doubles in the UAAP.
Kevin Quiambao recorded the UAAP’s first triple-double since October 28, 2018, as the La Salle Green Archers exacted revenge against the NU Bulldogs, 88-78, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
Quiambao, who is leading the MVP race after the first round, finished with 17 points, 11 rebounds, 14 assists to go along with four steals in the victory, which snapped the Bulldog’s five-game winning streak.
This is the first triple-double recorded in the UAAP since CJ Cansino did the same exactly five years ago when he finished with 20 points, 14 rebounds, and 10 assists for the UST Growling Tigers.
But while the achievement is something he’s proud of, Quiambao deflected the attention away from him.
“Siyempre masaya, pero first of all, nanggaling naman lahat 'yan sa system ng coaching staff namin,” Quiambao said during the postgame press conference.
“Sobrang sarap ma-surpass 'yun at magkaroon ng sariling pangalan, pero again, credit sa lahat ng kakampi ko. Hindi ako makaka-14 assists kung hindi nila shinoot 'yun,” he added.
The Green Archers also outhustled the Bulldogs throughout the match—a stark difference compared to their first-round encounter. La Salle also limited NU’s prolific guards, holding down Kean Baclaan and Jake Figueroa to just 20 points combined.
“We’re really focused on controlling the boards. During the first round, NU dominated us and naging challenge 'yun sa mga players individually,” said assistant coach Gian Nazario.
“We’re talking about our guards kasi Kean had eight rebounds, Figueroa had nine, so talagang ‘yun ‘yung naging challenge and we’re happy it was addressed today,” he added.
The win versus NU should prove to be a big one for La Salle as it will face the league-leading UP Fighting Maroons next on Sunday, November 5.
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The Bulldogs, meanwhile, will gun for a bounce-back win against the Ateneo Blue Eagles on Saturday, November 4.
(MDB)