La Salle coach Topex Robinson.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.web

MANILA, Philippines — La Salle is now the most well liked workforce within the UAAP Season 86 males’s basketball match with a four-game profitable streak following an enormous win over No. 1 College of the Philippines on Sunday.

The important thing to the Inexperienced Archers’ string of victories? “Teamsmanship,” in accordance with coach Topex Robinson.

“We time period a phrase like ‘teamsmanship.’ How effectively everyone might contribute so that you can be an elite workforce, you don’t solely want leaders, however you additionally should have nice teammates. Teammanship means whoever has the ball it’s a must to share that basketball. We had [19] assists once more in an enormous sport like this in opposition to UP,” mentioned La Salle coach Topex Robinson after their 88-79 victory over UP in entrance of 13,469 followers on Sunday at Mall of Asia Enviornment.

With the Inexperienced Archers rising to a 7-3 document only a sport behind league leaders UP and Nationwide College, the previous PBA mentor mentioned he’s taking a web page out of the defunct Alaska Aces’ playbook.

“Coming into this sport, I simply advised them what I realized from being with the Alaska Aces group and one factor’s written on that board is what are you able to do as we speak that can get you nearer to profitable a championship,” Robinson mentioned. “We actually simply targeted on as we speak, how can we get higher, we’re probably not taking a look at [our chance of getting the twice-to-beat advantage] till you talked about it.”

La Salle massive man Kevin Quiambao.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.web

Robinson lauded his entire crew led by Kevin Quiambao, who scored 11 of his 22 factors down the stretch. Evan Nelle, who missed their first-round sport in opposition to UP, additionally spelled the distinction with 17 factors together with the dagger trey. Michael Phillips, Jonnel Policarpio, and Francis Escandor additionally had their moments.

“As [Kevin Quiambao] mentioned, it’s not nearly him. It’s good to see Mike again in motion, Francis performed effectively in opposition to UP, clearly Poli is de facto taking part in effectively however we additionally should acknowledge our help like Josh [David] and Joaqui [Manuel] performed effectively this night. Once more, it’s all about everyone, everyone issues,” he mentioned.

Policarpio, who was additionally instrumental with 11 factors, eight rebounds, and 5 assists, mentioned he simply embraced his function that led to his spectacular performances the previous 4 video games for the Inexperienced Archers.

“I’m simply doing my job. I comply with what coach desires me to do and his system. I double my effort at all times,” mentioned Policarpion in Filipino.

Robinson, who’s in his first yr as La Salle coach, mentioned their focus was not on avenging their heartbreaking first-round loss to UP final month however somewhat on studying from their expertise.

“We don’t actually look UP as our opponent however they’re worthy rivals, their power is our weak point, they know finish video games they usually’re composed even with out Malick [Diouf] and JD. [Cagulangan] They’re actually a powerful workforce. We’re simply glad to maintain the sport shut, we kinda collapse however so long as we’re gonna get higher with each alternative.  Paying UP with a lot respect and profitable would be the byproduct of what we’re doing,” Robinson mentioned. “I assume it’s the expertise of going by means of shared adversities. That loss to UP actually harm us, particularly since we actually had an opportunity. We’re simply making an attempt to sharpen our noticed and making an attempt to get higher.”

“However crucial for us is we don’t wanna let today slip by with out us having fun with this chance, taking part in for the gang, taking part in for our followers, and our households. Most of my timeouts weren’t actually about X and Os anymore, it’s reminding these guys to get pleasure from it. I advised them taking part in school is essentially the most memorable expertise you’re gonna have in your basketball profession,” he added.

Regardless of La Salle’s current success, Robinson insists the Archers nonetheless have a protracted solution to go as they shift their focus to Adamson on Wednesday at Sensible Araneta Coliseum.