Archers rebound, repulse Tamaraws

MANILA, Philippines — It wasn’t a blowout as expected but reigning champion La Salle nonetheless bounced back from defeat by fending off Far Eastern U, 68-62, in the UAAP Season 87 men’s basketball tournament yesterday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Tipped to vent their ire on the winless Tamaraws after a stunning first loss to University of the East, the Archers instead struggled but got the job done just the same to solidify their hold of second spot at 4-1.

Host UP, the team La Salle beat for the title last season, paces the race at 4-0, with still a few games left before the Maroons and the Archers figure in a rematch at the end of the first round.

Reigning MVP Kevin Quiambao flirted with a triple-double with 12 points, 11 rebounds and eight assists laced by three steals as Mike Phillips harvested 13 points, 14 rebounds and two blocks to headline La Salle’s rebound.

Complementing them were Earl Abadam and Henry Agunanne with nine points each as Raven Gonzales chipped in eight.

“UE didn’t upset us last game. They deserved that win and they did their job. There’s no such thing as an upset. That grounded us and reminded us that this season is gonna be hard and will get even harder like what happened now against FEU,” said coach Topex Robinson.

“Again, it’s just another challenge and opportunity for us. If it doesn’t kill us, it’s only gonna make us stronger.”

In the nightcap, Joshua Yerro drained the game-winning tip-in at the buzzer from Arthur Calisay’s perfect inbound pass as Adamson escaped past National U, 60-58.

Matthew Montebon fired 15 while Yerro, who released the shot in the nick of time, had 11 as the Falcons soared to 3-2. The Bulldogs slid to their third straight loss to fall at 1-4.