La Salle escapes UP, forces do-or-die in UAAP men's basketball finals

It's not yet over.

De La Salle University forced a decider after escaping University of the Philippines, 76-75, in Game 2 of the UAAP Season 87 men's basketball finals on Wednesday at the Mall of Asia Arena.

The Fighting Maroons entered the fourth quarter with a 62-54 lead, but the Green Archers had other plans in the final frame.

Down 73-66 past the halfway mark, the Green Archers made an 8-0 run with Kevin Quiambao drilling back-to-back triples to reclaim the lead, 74-73. Quentin Millora-Brown answered with a jumper but Mike Phillips made a basket off a Quiambao assist to give the Taft-based squad the lead heading into crunch time.

A Phillips foul on Lopez put the latter on the line where he missed both attempts. Gerry Abadiano and CJ Austria exchanged turnovers but another Quiambao foul on Lopez put the Fighting Maroon again on the line where he missed the freebies.

With 19 ticks remaining, Phillips was also brought to the line after a QMB foul but he missed those free throws. Lopez had a turnover, Quiambao again missed his late free throws as the Green Archers hoped to live for one more game.

Fortunately for La Salle, Abadiano's late three-point attempt did not connect as the Taft-based squad equalized the series.

Two-time Most Valuable Player Quiambao led the Archers with 22 points, nine rebounds, two assists, and a steal, while Phillips had 18 points, 12 boards, two steals, and an assist.

JD Cagulangan, Lopez, and Abadiano chipped in 16 points apiece for the Fighting Maroons.

Game 3 of the finals will be held on Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Scores:

La Salle 76 – Quiambao 22, Phillips 18, Gollena 9, Macalalag 9, Gonzales 8, Austria 5, David 3, Agunanne 2, Marasigan 0, Ramiro 0, Rubico 0. 

UP 75 – Cagulangan 16, Lopez 16, Abadiano 16, Millora-Brown 11, Torres 5, Alarcon 5, Torculas 2, Ududo 2, Stevens 2, Felicilda 0, Bayla 0, Fortea 0. 

Quarters: 28-22, 39-36, 54-62, 76-75.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News