Kevin Quiambao stepping up for La Salle earns him UAAP Player of the Week honors

De La Salle University breathed life to its Final Four bid after winning against Adamson University and University of the Philippines upon the return of UAAP Season 85 from the 12-day FIBA break.

The Archers won against Adamson, 81-78, thanks to a CJ Austria buzzer-beater. Quiambao, in that game, posted eight points on a 4-of-7 clip along with four rebounds and a block as the Taft-based squad snapped a four-game losing skid.

However, it was in the Archers' win against defending champions University of the Philippines where Quiambao stood out, with the Gilas cager posting 18 points, including his clutch free throws, and nine rebounds.

For Quiambao, who was named the Collegiate Press Corps UAAP Player of the Week, his performance was just his way of stepping up for the green-and-white.

“’Yung first half ko, two points lang. Kumbaga bumalik ‘yung memory na first game na jitters nga. Sabi ko sa sarili ko, hindi pwedeng mangyari ulit ‘yun. Nag-step up lang ako kahit lamang sila nung third quarter,” said Quiambao.

Quiambao bested fellow Archer Austria, UP's James Spencer, and National University's John Lloyd Clemente in the award presented by the Philippine Sports Commission and San Miguel Corporation. The honor, deliberated and decided upon by print and online media regularly covering the league, is also backed by minor sponsors MNL Kingpin, Tinapayan Festival, and Jockey.

The Archers (5-6) will take on National University on Wednesday and University of the East on Saturday to bolster its Final Four chances.

—JMB, GMA Integrated News