Kevin Quiambao displays his brilliance once again
If you need proof that humans are capable of making the impossible possible, then look no further than what Kevin Quiambao did on Tuesday, May 28.
With his DLSU Green Archers down by 10, 74-64, with 2:35 left in the fourth quarter of a Filoil preseason matchup against UE, the reigning UAAP MVP scored the game’s next 13 points, including the go-ahead step-back triple with 3 seconds left, to complete a comeback for the ages.
It was a wonderful display of how remarkable a player “KQ” has turned into. Some, including Filipino B. League player RJ Abarrientos, say that he’s already too good for the college level. Quiambao proved why late in a game DLSU had no business winning. The Archers should thank their lucky stars Quiambao has committed to return for another season, giving DLSU a solid chance at their first UAAP men’s basketball back-to-back titles since 2001.
After Nico Mulingtapang knocked down a triple to put UE up by double digits, here’s what Quiambao did next:
– Jumper to cut the lead to 8
– Rebound
– Went 2/3 from the free throw line to cut the lead to 6
– Steal
– Hit a 3-ball to cut the lead to 3
– Steal
– Converted a 3-point play to tie the game
– Made a step-back game-winner to secure the victory
Of course, there were other factors such as key plays by his teammates and mistakes by the Red Warriors, but in the grand scheme of things, this was a portrayal of why KQ is the ultimate game-changer in college basketball.
Korean basketball scouts were present for the match. They were definitely impressed by Quiambao, who finished with 24 points, 7 rebounds, 5 assists, 2 steals, and 8-of-13 shooting (including 4 triples) in a little north of 28 minutes. Jonnel Policarpio was solid as well with 18 points on 8-of-14 shooting.
UE shot well from deep, going 14-of-30 from downtown. They played good enough to secure a major upset victory but their own miscues and KQ’s brilliance down the stretch prevented that from becoming a reality. La Salle secured the victory despite the fourth quarter ejection of head coach Topex Robinson, who was assessed two technical fouls.
In an earlier game, San Beda dominated NCAA counterpart UPHSD with a 75-44 victory. Despite missing key players who were not in the line-up because of academic responsibilities, the Red Lions shot 14-of-26 from downtown and led wire-to-wire.
CSB notched an 86-80 triumph over JRU led by the 24 points, 5 assists, 3 rebounds, and 3 steals of Tony Ynot. Allen Liwag 23 points and 11 rebounds as the Blazers improved to 3-1 in the tourney.
Letran defeated Arellano, 80-75 while EAC beat LPU, 93-81.
Photos courtesy of: Filoil-EcoOil
