La Salle hero Kevin Quiambao: I just had to take over

MANILA, Philippines — I need to take over.This was Kevin Quiambao's mindset down the stretch when his De La Salle Green Archers were trailing the NU Bulldogs, 64-71, in the last 5:24 of their UAAP Season 87 opening game at the Smart Araneta Coliseum Sunday."I just told myself that I need to take over already. We need to have that go to guy," said Quiambao, who did just that.The reigning MVP either scored or assisted in La Salle's 14-4 finishing kick including his left wing triple with 9.8 ticks to go, putting the defending champ ahead for good, 78-75, which was also the final count."I simply became the glue guy and led by example. Good thing that my shot went in. I'm used to getting the blame. Coach Topex [Robinson] was blaming me all night," Quiambao said in jest. The 6-foot-6 Quiambao finished the game with 22 points, eight rebounds, and seven assists as La Salle joined early winners UP, UST, and Adamson at 1-0.As for his game-winning trey, Quiambao said he simply took advantage of the Bulldogs' defensive lapse that saw his defender Steve Nash Enriquez hitting the screen of Mike Phillips and a no show of another defender."When I saw Steve Nash get blocked by the screen, I had about one or two seconds to look at the rim and I observed if their corner guy was going to help [but he didn't] so I took advantage. I got open and again fortunately, the shot went in."As one of the veterans of the team, Quiambao said he needs to show his team that I-don't-want-to-lose mentality."I need to show them that I don't want to lose. So, I encouraged them and told them that we can [come back from a 64-71 deficit]. 'This is not yet over. We just need to do what we have to do'," said Quiambao."We're fortunate that things went our way. We also prepared for moments like this because we know every team is going to push us to the limit."