KQ hits game-winner as DLSU opens title defense bid with win vs NU

Kevin Quiambao delivered the game winner as De La Salle University opened its title defense bid with a win against National University, 78-75, on Sunday in the UAAP Season 87 men's basketball tournament at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The Green Archers were trailing 65-60 at the end of the third period before they regained control of the game just in time in the fourth period. Quiambao connected from downtown to tie the game at 71 with less than three minutes remaining before an Ian Manansala basket once again put the match to a deadlock at 75. With 9.8 seconds left on the clock, the ball found its way to Quiambao from beyond the arc where he drilled a trey and eventually sealed the win for the Taft-based squad.

Quiambao registered 22 points, eight rebounds, and seven assists, while Mike Phillips posted a double-double of 12 points and 11 boards, along with two assists and a block in the La Salle win.

Jake Figueroa had 15 points, while PJ Palacielo also had a double-double of 15 points, 12 rebounds, three steals, and two assists for the Bulldogs.

Earlier, Adamson University defeated Far Eastern University, 59-47, while a rejigged University of Santo Tomas squad dominated the University of the East, 70-55.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News