La Salle’s Kevin Quiambao against Adamson. Photo from UAAP Media. 

MANILA (UPDATED) — De La Salle University won its second straight win in UAAP Season 87 after cruising past Adamson University, 82-52, during their men’s basketball faceoff on Wednesday at the Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.

It was another day in the office for reigning Most Valuable Player Kevin Quiambao as he put up 21 points, five rebounds, four assists, two steals, and a block in 25:15 minutes of action to fend off their San Marcelino-based counterparts. 

Rookie Doys Dungo, on the other hand, waxed hot as the former San Beda and University of Santo Tomas high school standout finished with 15 points on five-of-six shooting from three-point country. Also admirable for La Salle was Henry Agunanne as he had an 11-point, 16-board game.

The Taft-based team broke the game wide open with a 20-6 start, with Quiambao outscoring Adamson, 7-6, after the first 10 minutes of gameplay. 

That eventually was all they needed to remain perfect as the defending champions led by as much as 27, 64-37, early in the third quarter. It grew to its largest at 30 after a triple by Matthew Rubico late in the game. 

La Salle head coach Topex Robinson said during the post-game presser that the key to their win was how they kept their foot on the gas pedal every quarter as he was challenging his troops to limit Adamson in each frame. 

"We didn't really look at the score. I mean, we were just playing basketball. Again, we tried to keep the energy that's why we pretty much use everybody, so we have the same energy. We just try to fight our own selves, so really challenge it to the next level," he said.

La Salle rookie Doys Dungo. Photo from UAAP Media.

Aside from this, one key point for Robinson is how he reminded his boys to avoid how they played the Soaring Falcons in the preseason where Adamson took them to a close encounter in the fourth before they escaped with an 80-72 win.

"We always learn from our past experiences. When we played Adamson in FilOil, we were ahead most of the time and then we kinda relaxed and that gave Adamson all the opportunity to really get close to us," he shared. 

"That was a reminder for the team coming into this game — that this Adamson team is a scary team. They just came off a victory against FEU, so their morale is high. We wanted to make sure we limited the production of Adamson, and we just did. We weren't looking at the whole picture of the game but we're looking at a quarter per quarter," continued Robinson.

La Salle will next face its lifelong rival Ateneo de Manila University on Sunday, September 15, 6:30 p.m., at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay.

Meanwhile, Adamson, who is now at 1-1, is hoping to get back to the win column when it faces the University of Santo Tomas at the same date and venue at 3:30 p.m. 

Heading the charge for Nash Racela's troops is Ced Manzano who posted 15 markers, eight boards, and two assists. 

The Scores:

La Salle 82 – Quiambao 21, Dungo 15, Agunanne 11, Macalalag 9, Marasigan 8, Gollena 7, Ramiro 3, Gonzales 3, Rubico 3, Abadam 2, M. Phillips 0, David 0, Konov 0, Alian 0.

Adamson 52 – Manzano 15, Montebon 7, Anabo 7, Yerro 6, Ojarikre 4, Fransman 3, Erolon 3, Alexander 3, Barasi 2, Mantua 2, Calisay 0, Ramos 0, Ronzone 0, Barcelona 0, Ignacio 0, Dignadice 0.

Quarterscores: 20-6, 44-27, 65-45, 82-52.