By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
The De La Salle University (DLSU) Green Archers escaped the tough challenge from the University of Santo Tomas (UST) Growling Tigers in overtime, 94-87, in the ongoing UAAP Season 87 Men’s Basketball Tournament on October 16, 2024, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
After leading by as much as 20 points, the reigning UAAP defending champions were poised for another dominant finish but the Growling Tigers released their roar of fear in the final quarter, banking on courageous plays from their young stars to turn the affair into a nail-biting contest.
DLSU still led by 10 points in the final four minutes of the ball game, 76-66, after energizer front court star Mike Phillips made a basket underneath the shaded lane.
With the game on the line and the Growling Tigers badly needing a win to boost their chances of a Final Four slot, the trio of Forthsky Padrigao, Kyle Paranada, and Nic Cabañero came up clutch to keep UST within striking distance.
Kevin Quiambao put a sigh of relief on the DLSU side after knocking down a clutch trey that increased their lead to six points, 80-74, but a counter burst from UST equalized the ball game at 80-all.
Padrigao had the chance to put UST on the lead after an unsportsmanlike foul was whistled on DLSU when he attempted an aggressive drive to the basket.
Unfortunately, the floor general only converted one free throw out of his two chances, sending the game into overtime.
Reeling to bounce back from their fourth-quarter miscues, the Green Archers smoked the Growling Tigers in the first three minutes of OT and quickly established a 10-point lead.
UST deployed two different lineups in the extension period but head coach Pido Jarencio’s small ball adjustment just didn’t have answers to the balanced attack of the Green Archers.
Quiambao once again put DLSU on his back after erupting for a new UAAP career-high in points, tallying 29 markers built from an efficient 10/17 shooting from the field.
The reigning UAAP Most Valuable Player (MVP) buried four out of his six total attempts from downtown and also registered nine rebounds, three assists, and a steal.
Phillips, who was coming off a monster performance against the UE Red Warriors, picked up where he left off and capped off the win with 16 markers and 13 boards.
