La Salle wins finally

MANILA – The ignominy of falling to a 0-3 start did not go to the De La Salle University (DLSU) Green Archers.

Instead, it went to University of the Philippines (UP) as the Green Archers took advantage of the Fighting Maroons’ second quarter futility to finally score a win, 73-63, in the 72nd University Athletics Association of the Philippines (UAAP) at the Philsports Arena Thursday.

Down 5-16 early in the game, the Green Archers made a big push against UP. They held the Fighting Maroons to its second worst quarter to grab the lead by the end of the first half, 29-25.

UP only scored four points in the second period, its worst output since a 2-point quarter score in the 2007 Season.

Back-to-back triples by Hyram Bagatsing and Joshua Webb capped off a big 14-4 opening salvo by the Archers in the third canto to widen the gap, 43-29.

The Fighting Maroons rallied to cut the deficit to four, 41-45, but that was the closest they could get.

“In this particular game, we have addressed our (offensive) problems. I hope it’s the turning point of our season,” a relieved La Salle coach Franz Pumaren said.

It was the Archers’ first win in the season after losses to the University of the East Red Warriors and the Far Eastern University Tamaraws.

“It was my worst start but if you really look at it, it was not that bad. The two teams who beat us are title contenders. They have bunch of veterans. The problem is I spoiled some (people) too much in not losing two straight games,” Pumaren added.

Veterans James Mangahas and Bader Malabes finally showed the leadership that was lacking in the Archers’ first two losses. The duo combined for 29 points, seven boards and three steals. Sophomore Joshua Webb also came up with his best game tallying 13 points, seven in the decisive third quarter.

Carlo Gomez led the Fighting Maroons with 14 points and 14 rebounds. Maroon guard Martin Reyes was shut down after scoring 11 first quarter points. By Alder T. Almo

The scores:

DLSU 73 – Mangahas 15, Malabes 14, Webb 13, Villanueva 8, Ferdinand 6, Bagatsing 6, Barua 4, Bringas 3, Tolentino 2, Atkins 2, Mendoza 0, Marata 0, Manguera 0, Co 0.



UP 63 – Gomez 14, Reyes 11, Padilla 10, Lopez 6, De Asis 6, Sison 4, Coo 4, Reyes 4, Gamboa 2, Braganza 2, Astorga 2, Maniego 0, Hipolito 0, Juruena 0.

Quarters: 17-21, 29-25, 50-45, 73-63.

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