De La Salle turns tables, notches first win

Finally.

This could be the first word uttered by every Lasallian as they sighed in relief after the Green Archers won their first game of the 2009 UAAP men’s basketball season against University of the Philippines, 73-63, on July 23 at the PhilSports Arena.

De La Salle did to the Fighting Maroons what its two previous opponents did. Joshua Webb and  Hyram Bagatsing capped a 12-2 run in the third period to give the Archers a 12-point lead, 43-31, 6:40 in the clock. This went up to 15, 62-47, midway in the fourth after they uncorked a 12-0 rally highlighted by two Bader Malabes three-point shots.

“Execution is our particular concern,” said DLSU men’s basketball head coach Franz Pumaren. “I hope this game will be our turning point.”

James Mangahas topscored for the third straight game with 15 points on 7/13 field goal shooting. This ups his average to 10.6 ppg.

“James is a classic example of a Jvee Casio (or) Mon Jose-type of leader,” explained Pumaren. “He is not vocal but his teammates respect him.”

“Last two games parang bad game sa amin,” Mangahas shared. “Minotivate kami lahat ni coach Franz, huwag magkanya-kanya. Execute lang.”

Malabes had 14 markers, shooting 50% from the field. Webb finished with 13 and five rebounds.

“We are working on our offense,” commented Webb. “It is getting better.”

Rookie Arvie Bringas provided eight boards.

“The rookies and the veterans will (have to) gel as one. We do not have that individual talent that we had (previously),” Pumaren stated. “In order for us to win, we need to work together.”

Carlo Gomez led UP with a double-double 14 points and 14 rebounds. Former Junior Archer Martin Reyes finished with 11 markers, all coming from the first half.

Alvin Padilla put up ten points, eight rebounds, and six assists.

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, Co 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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