THE De La Salle University (DLSU) Green Archers showed their might by overpowering the University of Santo Tomas (UST) Growling Tigers, 88-67, for a solo second in the first round of the UAAP Season 87.
Following a close game against the FEU Tamaraws last Wednesday, the Green Archers secured the second spot of the standings by defeating the Growling Tigers for the 15th time in a row.
La Salle has been victorious against UST since Season 79, beginning with a decisive 100-62 win on September 14, 2016, under previous head coach Aldin Ayo’s “mayhem” system and Ben Mbala’s dominant years.
TAFTening up for the second round
Despite DLSU’s strong finish, UST was just within striking distance in the first quarter. Isaac Danting started strong, allowing the Growling Tigers to trail by only one point at the end of the quarter, 18-19.
The game remained close until the second quarter, but this time, the Green Archers clearly have complete control of the tempo, leading 36-30 at halftime.
The Taft-based team was able to build a double-digit lead at some point in the third quarter. The España team remained competitive, finishing the quarter with a score of 52-61.
La Salle immediately expanded its lead with an 8-0 run, bringing the score to 69-52 with 7:17 left. Vhoris Marasigan and Alex Konov’s three-pointers, and CJ Austria’s layup, capped a game-high advantage of 24 points, 88-64.
A team win
UST has been a pesky opponent, as shown by their past victories this season. Knowing how hardworking the opponent was, DLSU head coach Topex Robinson told his team that the key to victory was to outwork them.
Photo Courtesy: UAAP Media Group
“I think the key for us this afternoon is that we really tried to outwork them. We know what they’re capable of, we know how well coached that team is, and sabi nga namin, our goal right now is to just outwork UST,” said Robinson.
“I’m glad that we just did what we were supposed to do. Everybody has also been talking about us and the challenges that we’re facing, but the only thing that we can control is our team.”
“We’re always gonna be under the spotlight, so what we can do is to hold on to each other, and help and support each other,” Robinson added, sharing his perspective on the team’s admirable effort on both ends of the floor.
More than that, Robinson was fortunate to witness how his team works together for the same goal, as evidenced by their willingness to share the ball during their game against the Growing Tigers.
“We also put highlights on our assists, and we were just sharing the ball. That just shows the character that we have and the culture that we’re trying to build,” he said of La Salle’s 26 assists.
All over the floor
The rebounding battle was particularly important in the game, as the Green Archers had 56 rebounds, 35 defensive and 21 offensive rebounds, compared to the Growling Tigers’ season-low of 29 rebounds.
All thanks to Mike Philips’ massive double-double of 12 points and 18 rebounds, DLSU improved to a 5-1 league record. Rookie Marasigan scored 11 points, going 4-for-5 from the field.
Raven Gonzales had his best game of the season, finishing with 10 points, five rebounds, and two steals in only 14 minutes of play. Kevin Quiambao recorded 10 points, six rebounds, and four assists.
Pido Jarencio’s team, headed by Nic Cabañero and Forthsky Padrigao, finished third with a 3-2 record. Cabañero scored 16 points while Padrigao had 15 points and five assists.
