De La Salle University and new head coach Topex Robinson absorbed their first loss in the UAAP Season 86.
The Green Archers faced the Ateneo Blue eagles in an action-packed duel before losing 77-72 in the second game of the tournament on Wednesday, October 10, at the Mall of Asia Arena.
“I’ve said it before, they would win games for us and they would lose games for us, and that is something we try to work around,” said Robinson when asked about Evan Nelle and Kevin Quiambao’s team contributions.
They were able to have a 9-point lead but trailed behind the Blue Eagles with 12-points during the third Quarter. The score gap having a 1-point lead during the half of the fourth quarter. Quiambao and Mark Nonoy contributing 3-point shots during the last 2 minutes of the games kept the scores close. They were out-rebounded during the last minute of the game.
“We’re still hungry for the win, kasi ayun nga kailangan naming mag bounce back dahil sa tough loss ngayon,” said Nonoy when asked how they would bounce back from the game.
Nelle contributed 15 points, 3 rebounds, and 3 assists while Quiambao contributed 17 points, 14 rebounds, and 7 assists. Earl Abadam and Nonoy, on the other hand, were able to put in 9 and 11 points, respectively. “Kailangan naming mag communicate sa loob, siguro marami pa kaming adjustments na gagawin since kilala naman natin si Coach Topex maraming matutunan ngayong game.” Nonoy added on how they could improve from their losses.
The Scores: DLSU (72) ̶ Quiambao 17, Nelle 15, Abadam 11, Nonoy 9, Austria 5, Cortez 4, Manuel 3, Nwankwo 3, B. Phillips 3, M. Phillips 2, David 0, Escandor 0, Gollena 0.
ADMU (77) ̶ Koon 19, Ballungay 18, Amos 12, Obasa 11, Brown 8, Espinosa 5, Lazaro 2, Quitevis 1, Chiu 1, Credo 0, Bongo 0, Nieto 0, Gomez 0.
Quarter Scores: 25-3, 37-39, 47-54, 77-72.