Kevin’s triple-double lifts La Salle over NU

MANILA, Philippines — Kevin Quiambao lived up to his stature as leader of the MVP race.

The versatile forward put on a triple-double show as La Salle exacted payback on the rampaging National U, 88-78, to revamp its twice-to-beat hopes in the UAAP Season 86 men’s basketball yesterday at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Quiambao posted 17 points, 11 rebounds and 14 assists plus four steals for the UAAP’s first triple-double in five years since CJ Cansino’s 20-14-10 statline to lead La Salle’s third win in a row.

The former Gilas Pilipinas cager became the first Archer to register a triple-double in 20 years or since the start of the stats computerization in 2003.

His exploits included a couple of no-look and behind-the-back passes for the bulk of their 30 total assists as La Salle bounced back from a tough 80-77 overtime loss to NU in the first round.

Earlier, UE snapped a five-game losing streak by beating UST, 86-73.