Quiambao rises, Lopez falters as La Salle hits UP with finals Game 2 curse for do-or-die clash

The La Salle Green Archers defeated the UP Fighting Maroons 76-75 in Game 2 of the UAAP Season 87 men's basketball finals. This victory prevented a finals sweep by UP and forced a deciding Game 3.

Trailing 73-66 late in the fourth quarter, La Salle mounted a comeback led by two-time MVP Kevin Quiambao. Quiambao hit crucial three-pointers, including one to give La Salle a 74-73 lead with 1:13 remaining. Quentin Millora-Brown and Mike Phillips then exchanged points, resulting in La Salle holding a 76-75 advantage.

UP had a chance to win, but Francis Lopez missed four consecutive free throws in the final seconds and committed a turnover after rebounding a missed free throw by Phillips, sealing the win for La Salle.

Quiambao finished with 22 points (half in the fourth quarter), 9 rebounds, and 2 assists. Mike Phillips contributed a double-double with 18 points and 12 rebounds. For UP, JD Cagulangan, Francis Lopez, and Gerry Abadiano each scored 16 points.

The decisive Game 3 is scheduled for Sunday, December 15, at the Araneta Coliseum.