DLSU Green Archers cop second-straight PBA D-League championship title

By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

The De La Salle University (DLSU) Green Archers pulled off another masterful performance to grab its second-straight PBA D-League championship crown last June 26, 2023, held at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.

DLSU remained consistent with their new approach under their retooled system to crush the San Beda Red Lions, 89-74, and never gave the NCAA squad any breathing room in four full quarters.

Newly hailed Most Valuable Player (MVP) awardee Kevin Quiambao proved why he is worthy of the title and led the Green Archers with 26 points and 10 rebounds during the closeout game.

The crafty and versatile power forward did it all for the Green Archers and kicked off their waxing hot splash party after draining six of his 12 total three-point attempts.

Aside from his efficient outside shooting, Quiambao also bulldozed his way underneath San Beda’s paint, scoring his patent one-handed jump hooks at will while keeping the ball alive several times with his offensive rebounding.

Evan Nelle backstopped Quiambao during the big-time win and scored 16 markers, seven assists, six steals, and five rebounds.

It was all DLSU from the get-go as their stinging full-court pressure made things hard for San Beda to run any type of their offensive sets.

Despite San Beda knocking down wide-open three-pointers to get back within striking distance in the last two minutes of the second frame, the Green Archers countered with their own fast break attack to balloon the lead back to double digits.

Mark Nonoy was also stellar in the game as his timely baskets halted San Beda’s momentum whenever they were starting to make a run and trim their deficit to just a single digit.

Nonoy delivered 14 points while star big man Michael Phillips chipped in 12 points and 10 boards. On the other hand, the Red Lions were led by Yukien Andrada who finished with a team-high 15-point performance but was still not enough to hold off the surging Green Archers squad.