Quiambao drops career-high 29 as La Salle outlasts UST in OT

Kevin Quiambao registered a new career-high of 29 points as De La Salle University averted collapse and outlasted University of Santo Tomas in overtime, 94-87, on Wednesday in UAAP Season 87 at the Mall of Asia Arena.

The Green Archers led by as much as 20 points, 40-20, in the first half before the Growling Tigers crawled their way back in the fourth period.

As the España-based squad trailed 74-61 past the halfway mark of the final frame, a Mo Tounkara triple and Kyle Paranada basket easily cut down UST's deficit to within eight. Forthsky Padrigao then took over as Tounkara was eventually ejected from the match after his second technical foul. 

Padrigao put UST within six, then a Miguel Pangilinan triple gave the Growling Tigers a fighting chance with 1:46 left.

Quiambao answered with a triple but another Paranada trey put UST at 77 as La Salle held the lead at 80.

Nic Cabañero then scored, while Padrigao was put on the line where he sank one of two freebies to tie the game at 80. Padrigao missed his final attempt in regulation and forced the game to extra period.

In overtime, the Archers then flexed their championship composure as Quiambao, EJ Gollena, and Mike Phillips towed La Salle to an 89-81 lead before eventually holding off the Growling Tigers.

"We were not surprised on how UST will play and we always remind ourselves that every team will really be all out in playing against us," La Salle head coach Topex Robinson said.

"We made a lot of mistakes down the line and that's part of our growth. It's another opportunity for us to learn."

Aside from a new career-high in scoring, the reigning Most Valuable Player had nine rebounds, three assists, and a steal.

Phillips had 16 points, 13 rebounds, one assist, and one steal, while Raven Gonzales added 11 points as La Salle remained on top of the standings with an 8-1 card.

Cabañero had 23 points, 12 rebounds, three assists, and three steals, while Padrigao had 15 points for UST. Tounkara had 14 points before being ejected in the fourth period.

The Growling Tigers slipped to 4-5.

Earlier, Far Eastern University defeated National University, 65-58, behind Mo Konateh's career-high outing of 22 points. 

The Tamaraws remained alive in the hunt for a Final Four spot and improved to 3-6, while the Bulldogs moved down to 2-7.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News