EcoOil-La Salle finally strung back-to-back wins in the 2022 PBA D-League Aspirants' Cup, staving off Adalem Construction-St. Clare, 72-69, Wednesday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Kevin Quiambao nailed the go-ahead jumper with 9.3 seconds left on the clock before a split from the line in the final 5.4 ticks capped off his 18-point, 8-rebound, and 6-assist performance.
"Instinct ko na lang noong huli to take over. God-willing na-shoot naman," said the incoming rookie.
Joaqui Manuel contributed 11 points, four boards, two assists, and two steals, while CJ Austria got 10 points, five rebounds, and three steals to push the Green Archers to the playoffs with their 4-2 card.
"We're tired but this game is very important for both teams. At least nakaangat kami sa quarters," said coach Derick Pumaren.
In the first game, Builders Warehouse-UST fired on all cylinders and torched winless AMA Online by 71 points to deliver the 150-79 mauling.
Sherwin Concepcion's imprint was all over the floor as he shot 3-of-8 from downtown to nab 14 points, 14 rebounds, and 10 assists to record the 10th triple-double in league history.
Nic Cabanero also punctured 19 points, five boards, two assists, two steals, and two blocks with eight players scoring in double figures to finally halt their four-game skid.
"Napakasarap," sighed interim coach Albert Alocillo. "Credit ito lahat sa mga bata because they worked so hard at unti-unti, nakakapag-adjust na sila."
The 71-point win for Builders Warehouse-UST is the second-highest winning margin in the PBA D-League, behind only Tanduay which bamboozled Zark's Burgers by 76 points, 141-65, back in July 10, 2017.
The Scores:
First Game:
Builders Warehouse-UST 150 -- Cabanero 19, Wilson 18, Crisostomo 15, Concepcion 14, Manaytay 13, Baclaan 11, Herrera 10, Mantua 10, Pangilinan 9, Gesalem 9, Santos 7, Escobido 6, Stevens 4, Manalang 3, Canoy 2.
AMA 79 -- Pineda 13, Baclig 13, D. Cruz 11, Malones 7, Villamor 6, Kapunan 5, De Vera 5, Gile 5, Camay 3, Yambao 3, Palana 3, K. Cruz 2, Ceniza 2, R. Cruz 1, Fuentes 0.
Quarters: 36-20, 72-34, 117-60, 150-79.
Second Game:
EcoOil-La Salle 72 -- Quiambao 18, Manuel 11, Austria 10, Buensalida 9, Macalalag 6, Cortez 6, Estacio 5, Abadam 4, Nwankwo 3, Alao 0.
Adalem-St. Clare 69 -- Fontanilla 14, Sablan 12, Manacho 10, Rojas 10, Estacio 6, Gamboa 6, Estrada 4, Sumagaysay 3, Ndong 2, Lopez 2, Tapenio 0.
Quarters: 16-13, 30-35, 51-52, 72-69.