De La Salle University survived a nightmarish free throw shooting performance on Wednesday at the Mall of Asia Arena, securing a dramatic 76-75 win over the University of the Philippines and forcing a winner-take-all Game 3 for the UAAP Season 87 crown.
The Green Archers missed 11 of their last 12 free throws, including two crucial attempts by MVP Kevin Quiambao, who was fouled by UP point guard Joel Diomar “JD” Cagulangan in the final seconds. Both Quiambao, better known as KQ, and Cagulangan were named by the Mythical Team before Game 2.
Despite the poor free throw shooting, La Salle overcame a double-digit deficit in the second half, sparked by Quiambao’s explosive fourth-quarter performance.
With over six minutes left, the Green Archers trailed 55-64, but Quiambao led the charge, reminiscent of last season’s dramatic championship comeback against UP. Quiambao finished with 22 points, 11 of them scored in the fourth quarter—a redemption of sorts following a one-point scoring performance in the second half of Game 1. He scored 18 points in the first half.
The game took a pivotal turn when UP’s Reyland Torres was disqualified with less than three minutes remaining for committing his second unsportsmanlike foul. The infraction awarded La Salle two free throws and possession of the ball. Although CJ Austria missed the free throws, center Mike Phillips capitalized on the ensuing possession, scoring a crucial jump hook. Moments later, Quiambao drained back-to-back three-pointers, giving La Salle a 74-73 lead.
UP quickly regained the lead 75-74 on a jumper from Quentin Millora-Brown, but Phillips responded with a two-pointer that pushed La Salle ahead 76-75 for good.
Both teams had opportunities to win in the dying seconds of the match, but costly mistakes and missed free throws ultimately sealed the outcome. UP’s Francis Lopez missed four crucial free throws and committed two costly turnovers that likely doomed his team.
Game 3 of the thrilling finals series is set for Sunday at the Araneta Coliseum, where both teams will battle for the coveted championship.
