De La Salle University maintained its spotless record in the elimination round of UAAP Season 87 Men’s Basketball after dominating their rival, Ateneo de Manila University, with a final score of 74-61.
The first two quarters were tightly contested, ending the first half with a score of 44-40. However, entering the third quarter, the Green Archers limited the Blue Eagles to just 4 points while scoring 15 points themselves.
“Making sure that we come out there with all of our hearts, be strong enough and be courageous enough. Because we need everyone's help,“ said Topex Robinson, Head Coach of the DLSU Green Archers.
“We were pressured along the way at the start, we have a new team also, but I just told them that once we decide to step out of this dugout, you have to make sure that you're ready to slug it out with them. Just change of perspective and change of mindset, I guess that was the key for the third quarter,” he continued.
La Salle showcased strong defense, with reigning MVP Kevin Quiambao nearly achieving a triple-double with 13 points, 13 rebounds, and 7 assists.
“I think yung mindset na coming to this game, kailangan ko lang mag-step up. And then, nung game medyo binatuhan kami ng quick defense ng Ateneo, [pero] sinabi ko lang sa mga teammate ko na be ready lang kasi may mga moment na sila yung malilibre, dapat may confidence sila to take that shot,“ said Quiambao.
“Be disciplined lang, marami pa kaming na-learn sa laro na ‘to, so ayon ‘yung mga kailangan anming i-work on moving forward,” KQ explained.
Mike Phillips also stepped up in scoring with 13 points and 14 rebounds.
La Salle will aim to maintain their perfect run in their next game against the winless University of the East on Sunday. Meanwhile, Ateneo will continue to seek their first win in their matchup against Adamson University on Saturday.
