The Green Archers failed to end the first round on a winning note after a tough 56-63 loss against the National University Bulldogs earlier at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Arnold Van Opstal led La Salle with 14 points, 7 rebounds and 3 blocks while Almond Vosotros had 11 points and 4 rebounds.
On the other hand, Ray Parks led National U with 20 points and 14 rebounds, and 6 assists.
The Archers now have a 3-4 record for a three-way tie at 5th place.
Having a chance to grab momentum after trailing by 42-43 to start the final quarter, La Salle struggled to get their offensive flow. NU started strong after scoring 10 unanswered points leading to a 43-53 deficit.
However, the Archers fought back by igniting14-6 run leading to a 56-59 deficit after Thomas Torres made a corner trey with 17.2 ticks left. But the Archers still failed to mount a comeback after Jeron Teng air balled a trey leading to NU’s 63-56 win.
After the Fiba Asia break, La Salle will face the Adamson Soaring Falcons this August 14 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The scores:
DLSU (56) – Van Opstal 14, Vosotros 11, Teng 9, T. Torres 7, Perkins 6, Salem 5, N. Torres 2, Revilla 2, Tampus 0, De La Paz 0.
NU (63) – Parks 20, Mbe 12, Villamor 10, Alolino 9, Neypes 6, Rosario 4, Alejandro 2, Rono 0, Perez 0, Khobuntin 0, Javillionar 0, Javelona 0.
Quarter scores: 9-20, 25-33, 42-43, 63-56.