Archers cage Bulldogs

Games today:

(Smart Araneta Coliseum)

2 p.m. — Adamson vs FEU

6 p.m. — UP vs Ateneo

Kevin Quiambao put on a show that left everyone in awe.

The sophomore posted a rare triple-double to power De La Salle University to an 88-78 win over the erstwhile streaking National University in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines Season 86 men's basketball tournament yesterday at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Quiambao stuffed the statistics sheet with 17 points, 14 assists and 11 rebounds while adding four steals in 34 minutes of action for the Green Archers, who strung up their third straight victory for a 6-3 win-loss record at solo third spot.

Quiambao, who solidified his case for the Most Valuable Player award, recorded the first triple-double exactly five years since the then University of Santo Tomas rookie CJ Cansino posted 20 points, 14 rebounds and 10 assists in the Tigers' 79-68 win over University of the East back on 28 October 2018.

The 6-foot-8 forward's 14 dishes were the most in the Final Four era, erasing the 13 of Red Warriors' Rey Remogat listed last 21 October in a 75-83 loss to La Salle.

"Of course, I'm happy but first of all it all came from the system of coach and the coaching staff," the Season 85 Rookie of the Year said.

"I just doubled my effort because we lost to them in the first round. I just want to prove to them that I won't allow that to happen again."

The Green Archers used a 26-13 second quarter explosion to build a 50-39 separation at the half that they held the rest of the way.

Jonnel Policarpio backed Quiambao with 15 points, Evan Nelle had 14 points and seven assists while Mark Nonoy fired 10 points for La Salle, which had 30 assists overall.

The Bulldogs saw their five-game winning streak snapped as they sank to a 7-2 record at second spot.

Omar John finished with 16 points and nine rebounds, Kean Baclaan got 11 while Mike Malonzo and Donn Lim scored 10 each for NU, which played sans starting rookie Steve Nash Enriquez (dislocated jaw), Jolo Manansala, Ken Padrones (orbital bone) and Reinhard Jumamoy.

In the first match, top Rookie of the Year contender Precious Momowei had a monster double-double performance in UE's 86-73 dismantling of University of Santo Tomas to arrest a five-game skid.

The Senegalese big man submitted 17 points in a crisp 6-of-11 field goal shooting and pulled down 18 rebounds in 33 minutes of play for the limping Red Warriors, who had another injury scare after Devin Fikes left the game late in the third after hurting his left knee.

UE started hot and never allowed UST a chance to get a taste of the lead in the lopsided ball game that improved its record to 3-6.

The Red Warriors displayed good ball movement with 29 assists and pounded the ball in the paint for 34 inside points to complete an elimination sweep of the skidding-again Tigers.

"I think the boys followed the instructions. We came out very strong in the first quarter. Then we shared the ball. Good results," UE head coach Jack Santiago said.

Momowei laced his all-around game with five assists, two blocks and a steal, Abdul Sawat added 17 points while Ethan Galang scored 11 points for the Red Warriors, who already lost Gjerard Wilson for the rest of the season due to a shoulder injury that needed surgery.

Remogat filled the stats box with nine points, eight assists, seven boards, two blocks and a steal while Fikes had seven points before leaving the game grimacing in pain after his knee buckled under him while attempting a drive to the basket with 1:48 remaining in the third.

Momowei's basket gave UE its biggest lead, 83-63, with 3:49 left in the game.

The Tigers absorbed their second straight defeat for a 1-8 slate.

Migs Pangilinan led UST with 20 points, Nic Cabanero had 18 points and six rebounds while Ivanne Calum scored 11.