MANILA — De La Salle University (DLSU) has started its title defense in the UAAP Season 87 men’s basketball tournament on a high note. The Green Archers currently lead the standings with a 3-0 record, having secured wins over National University, Adamson University, and archrival Ateneo de Manila University in the first week of competition.
“We just stayed disciplined in what we do,” said La Salle head coach Topex Robinson after their 74-61 victory against the Blue Eagles on Sunday at the Mall of Asia Arena.
In the match against Ateneo, La Salle turned the game around in the second half, particularly holding their rivals to just four points in the third quarter. Robinson attributed this performance to the team’s determination to live up to the rivalry with their Katipunan-based opponents.
“Ateneo threw a lot of freak defense on us. Good thing, we were able to get our bearings back to get the win,” Robinson explained.
“If it’s going to be La Salle-Ateneo, there’s no advantage. There’s no team that has strength over the other. It’s just making sure we come out there with all of our hearts, be strong enough, and be courageous enough because we need everybody’s help.”
Reigning UAAP MVP Kevin Quiambao led the charge for La Salle, delivering 13 points, 13 rebounds, and seven assists.
“Yung mindset ko coming into this game: Kailangan ko mag-step up. Nung game, medyo binatuhan kami ng defense ng Ateneo, bina-box-and-one nila ako the whole game,” said the 6-foot-6 star.
“Sinabi ko lang din sa mga kasama ko na: Be ready, dahil may mga moments na kayo malilibre. Dapat may confidence kayo to take that shot, and be disciplined lang,” Quiambao added.
Despite the strong start, Robinson remains cautious, stating that the team still has a long way to go to replicate their Season 86 title run.
“We always tell each other that all teams are gonna give us a fight, they’re always gonna bring out their best against us,” he said. “We don’t have control of what other teams will do, but we have control of what we’re gonna do — that’s what we’re just gonna focus on. We made a lot of mistakes which doesn’t make us a strong team, but all those mistakes will just get us better.”
A significant factor in La Salle’s early success is the team’s emphasis on accountability and focusing on the finer details, irrespective of individual roles. This approach was evident in a first-half exchange between Robinson and Quiambao that culminated in a shared embrace on the court.
“May sequence na na-turnover ako dahil nakita ko si Henry [Agunnane] na nagri-rim run. Sabi sakin ni Coach Topex: ‘Ba’t mo binabato kung saan-saan yung bola? Mas okay na itira mo.’ So yung sequence na naka-dalawang pasa ako kay Raven [Gonzales], tapos nakatira ako ng three points, nung shumoot, tinignan ko kaagad si coach. Sabi ko: Ano sisisihin mo pa ulit ako? Na-shoot ko na!” Quiambao recalled.
“Yung mga moment na yun yung ine-enjoy ko, kasi every game, may mga moment ka na kailangan mong i-treasure,” added the reigning MVP.
Robinson shared his perspective on the incident, highlighting the trust and openness within the team.
“If you notice, yung mga early turnovers niya, it’s passing the ball with guys that are not ready. Sabi ko sa kanya: Hawakan mo na lang muna. Sabi niya: ‘Hindi coach, ititira ko yun.’ Sabi ko edi itira mo. Sabi niya: Kahit malayo, ititra ko ha.’ Sabi ko: ‘Itira mo.’ which he did,” he said.
“Sabi ko nga tama pa rin ako. Tinira niya, na-shoot niya. That’s what we were joking about. But again, for this guy right here, he’s always gonna make you look good. That’s the blessing of having a KQ and Mike [Phillips]. A lot of times, we just try to remind each other. [KQ] always reminds me if I’m getting so emotional, [Mike] reminds me also if I’m losing it. We always try to help each other out because we get lost, especially me.”
Robinson emphasized the team’s collaborative culture, saying, “It’s really nice to have that kind of relationship with these guys wherein we kinda flattened the hierarchy. I’m not the head coach, I just happen to have the title but it’s everybody.”
“We always use: Us, Ours, and We. That’s really the key to this,” he added, underlining the collective effort behind their victories.
The Green Archers will next face the University of the East on Sunday, September 22.