La Salle Green Archers star Kevin Quiambao reacts after La Salle gets away with the win in Game 2 of UAAP Season 87 men’s basketball tournament Finals against UP FIghting Maroons. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIREr.net
MANILA, Philippines—UAAP Season 87 MVP Kevin Quiambao was overcome with emotions after La Salle lived to fight another day for the UAAP Season 87 men’s basketball championship, forcing a Game 3 against University of the Philippines in the Finals on Wednesday.
Quiambao missed two crucial freethrows that could’ve given La Salle some breathing room with 12.1 seconds left as UP, eager to finally end the series, got the final possession of the game.
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RESULTS: UAAP Season 87 basketball Finals Game 2 – La Salle vs UP
In the ensuing play, Gerry Abadiano misfired on what could’ve been a championship-winning three at the buzzer for UP and Quiambao immediately covered his face to hide his tears as his teammates gathered around him to celebrate the 76-75 win that forced a decider for the title.
“Win or lose, it would be on me. We have our backs against the walls. Whatever the results may have been here in Game 2, I’d be the one to blame, win or lose,” Quiambao told reporters on the way out of the Mall of Asia Arena after he had begged off the post-game interview.
“I think [I’m emotional] because I took ownership and the responsibility on what would happen to the team because I’m one of the leaders.”
READ: UAAP: Kevin Quiambao hailed MVP anew as La Salle title bid hangs
Quiambao, who received his second straight MVP award earlier in the day, admitted that tying the series was huge to him after a letdown in Game 1 of the series.
After being shut down in the second half of Game 1, Quiambao finished Game 2 with a near double-double of 22 points and nine rebounds with two assists and a steal for good measure.
Kevin Quiambao reacts after a crucial play in Game 2 of the UAAP Season 87 men’s basketball Finals against UP Fighting Maroons. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
“After that Game 1 loss, I wasn’t able to sleep for two days,” bared Quiambao. “I was so emotional because I stayed up for this [game] and I really studied all my mistakes from Game 1.”
His clutch three-pointers also brought La Salle back in the game in the final 2 minutes with UP threatening to put the game away and take the crown home.
READ: UAAP Finals: Jacob Bayla plays Kevin Quiambao stopper in Game 1
The Gilas forward had an efficient day from the field with a 50 percent shooting clip (7-of-14) and four buckets from beyond the arc in Game 2.
In Game 1, Quiambao finished with 19 points but only scored a point in the second half.
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Now, it’s up to Quiambao and the Green Archers to try and replicate the feat of yesteryear as they gear up for Game 3 against the Fighting Maroons on Sunday at the mecca of Philippine basketball, Araneta Coliseum.
“It’ll really be all about who wants it more and who has mental toughness,” said Quiambao.