The reign of the DLSU Green Archers is in danger of lasting just one year.
That’s the case after the defending champions of the UAAP men’s basketball tournament fell to the FEU Tamaraws, 65-60, on Sunday at the Mall of Asia Arena.
DLSU trailed by as much as 13 in the first half and 11 in the second before 13 straight points by Almond Vosotros in the third period got the team back in the ballgame.
In the fourth quarter, a basket by Arnold Van Opstal gave the team their first lead since the first quarter, 60-58.
But three straight points by FEU star Mike Tolomia put his club ahead by one, 61-60.
With less than a minute to go in the game, La Salle big man Norbert Torres had a chance to regain the lead for his team, but missed a floater. After which, a basket by Carl Cruz extended the Tamaraws’ lead to three.
Vosotros then missed a long-range shot, which was followed by an unsportsmanlike foul on Jeron Teng, who fouled out with just eight points on 2-of-11 shooting. Tolomia then sealed the game at the foul line as FEU took control of the #2 seed heading into their final four encounter with La Salle next Saturday.
Jason Perkins had 15 points and 13 boards to lead the Green Archers, while Arnold Van Opstal put up just seven points and had seven turnovers.
As a team, La Salle shot just 32% from the field and just 29% from downtown. DLSU had 48 rebounds and 12 assists, but committed 20 turnovers.