La Salle deals UP's first loss to claim top spot as first round wraps

De La Salle University dealt the University of the Philippines its first loss in UAAP Season 87, 68-56, on Sunday in the first round faceoff of last season's finalists at the Mall of Asia Arena.

The win put the Green Archers at the top spot at the end of the first round with a 6-1 record, while the Fighting Maroons slipped to no. 2 with the same record.

After trailing at the end of the first half, 38-25, the Fighting Maroons caught up in the heated third period, outscoring La Salle 21-13 to inch closer, 51-46.

UP continued to cut the deficit and inched closer, 55-51, before La Salle made a 7-0 run and widened the lead, 62-51, with less than six minutes left. Triples from Kevin Quiambao and Josh David eventually sealed the deal for the Taft-based squad.

For Quiambao, they have to focus now on the next round.

"'Yung panalo na 'to na binigay ni Lord, tapos na 'to eh. Kinabukasan, bagong araw na ulit," Quiambao said.

The reigning Most Valuable Player had 20 points, 10 rebounds, three assists, a steal, and a block, while David had 14 points, seven boards, and two assists.

Harold Alarcon, meanwhile, had 19 points, five rebounds, three steals, and an assist, while Quentin Millora-Brown had a double-double outing of 10 points, 10 rebounds, four blocks, an assist, and a steal for the Diliman-based squad which was playing without JD Cagulangan.

Scores:

La Salle 68 – Quiambao 20, David 14, Macalalag 7, Ramiro 5, Abadam 5, Marasigan 5, Phillips 4, Gollena 4, Austria 2, Agunanne 2, Gonzales 0.

UP 56 – Alarcon 19, Millora-Brown 10, Lopez 8, Torres 6, Belmonte 5, Fortea 5, Abadiano 2. Bayla 1, Stevens 0, Felicilda 0, Torculas 0, Ududo 0.

Quarters: 19-13, 38-25, 51-46, 68-56.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News