De La Salle University superstar Kevin Quiambao following the Green Archers’ win against the University of the Philippines, October 6, 2024, at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City. Mark Demayo, ABS-CBN News

MANILA — After the first round of the UAAP Season 87 men's basketball showdown, De La Salle University is still at the top of the UAAP.

The defending champions completed their first seven games with a 6-1 record after they dominated the University of the Philippines on Sunday at the Mall of Asia Arena, and heading the charge for the Taft cagers, as usual, is the reigning MVP — La Salle superstar Kevin Quiambao. 

"Coming into this game, sabi lang sa amin ng coaching staff na believe and have faith na kaya namin talunin lahat ng teams," said Quiambao, whose team's only defeat so far is against the re-emerging University of the East. 

"Yung pagkatalo namin sa UE is a wake-up call na madami pa kaming kailangan i-improve. This game sobrang gigil kami na makuha itong panalo na ito dahil ayun nga. madami pa kaming kailangan i-improve. Nakita niyo naman kahit na-execute namin yung plays namin, marami pa ring kulang," added the 6-foot-6 Muntinlupa native.

READ: Kevin Quiambao takes charge as La Salle hands UP its first loss

Despite downplaying their impressive showing against the powerhouse that is the Fighting Maroons, Quiambao is still, statistically, the UAAP best player in Season 87.

After the first round, the Gilas Pilipinas wingman has been putting up 87.671 Statistical Points (SPs), and this is due to him delivering 16.4 points, 8.9 rebounds, 5.4 assists, and 1.3 steals in seven appearances.

He is also the league leader in scoring, tied No.1 in three-pointers made with 16 and in total field goals made with 40, and is also in the top 10 of 3-point field goal percentage (31.37%, 8th overall), free-throw percentage (19/27, 70.37%), plus-minus (+80, 2nd overall), RPG (tied 5th, 62 total rebounds), APG (3rd overall, second in total with 38), assist to turnover ratio (4th overall), and SPG (5th overall).

However, Quiambao would rather focus on the things that he and the Archers can control moving into the last half of the season, saying that the outside noise — both positive and negative — must not affect the way they want to run things. 

"Nag players meeting kami. Sinabi namin na pressure is privilege. kumbaga outside noise lang yung mga yan. Kailangan protektahan namin yung inner circle ng team namin. Simula nung natalo kami sa UE nag stick lang kami sa system namin, sinacrifice ko yung role ko as a veteran. 'Di pala kailangan laging puntos, kailangan ko din i-involve yung teammates ko," he explained. 

Meanwhile, UP's JD Cagulangan is the league's second-best player so far with 77.0 SPs.

Despite missing his past two games due to illness, the veteran floor general of the Maroons has been doing wonders for State U, putting up 13.4 points, 6.0 assists, 4.4 rebounds, and a steal in five games.

READ: Life after UP — PBA Draft preps among Cagulangan's motivations in senior year with Maroons

Completing the Top 5 of the men's division is Quiambao's teammate Mike Phillips (72.143 SPs), UE's Precious Momowei (68.286 SPs), Far Eastern University's Mo Konateh (63.571 SPs).

On the other hand, Ateneo de Manila University's Kacey Dela Rosa is ruling the women's side of UAAP hoops.

Ateneo De Manila University star Kacey Dela Rosa. UAAP Media 

She is also poised to tally her second-straight league MVP after putting up a stellar 90.143 SPs following her showings of 21.4 points, 14.7 rebounds, 2.1 blocks, 1.3 assists, and a steal in seven games so far for the Blue Eagles.

Next to her is University of Santo Tomas' Kent Pastrana (84.714 SPs), her teammate Junize Calago (72.571 SPs), UP's Louna Ouzar (71.571 SPs), and another Atenean in Sarah Makanjuola (67.429 SPs).

Ateneo de Manila University junior high’s Zane Kallos. UAAP Media

In the junior high school basketball side, Ateneo's Zane Kallos leads the league with 99.429 SPs, UST's Nickson Cabañero is second with 88.714 SPs, third is UPIS' Bruce Tubongbanua (86.0 SPs ), UST's Jhon Canapi is fourth (85.286 SPs), while DLSU's Melvin Tailan is fifth with 81.571 SPs. 

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