Just three days after losing a close match against their rival the Ateneo Blue Eagles, the DLSU Green Archers bounced back by winning the first game of their second-round campaign against another familiar foe, the FEU Tamaraws, 75-73, on Wednesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
It was a game of runs, with DLSU building big leads only for FEU to consistently rally. In the late stages of the fourth period, the Tamaraws had a puncher’s chance to pull off the upset, but the Archers did just enough to get their sixth win in eight games.
So nice, Ricci had to do it twice. #UAAPSeason80 pic.twitter.com/C0dQ6tTbtE
— ABS-CBN Sports (@abscbnsports) October 11, 2017
Ricci Rivero led DLSU in scoring again with 20 points plus 5 steals, while Ben Mbala had a double-double of 18 points and 17 rebounds. Jollo Go also stepped up with 14 points.
FEU almost stole the victory after having the ball following a time-out with a little over two seconds to go. DLSU was ahead only by two, but the Tams were unable to complete a successful inbound play. The turnover – FEU’s 29th of the game – was the nail in the coffin.
La Salle also coughed up the ball a lot with 23 turnovers, and once again struggled from the free throw line by going just 11-of-24.
DLSU will be back in action on Sunday against UP – the other team to beat them in the first round of Season 80.
The win gave La Salle current solo second spot in the league standings behind 7-0 Ateneo.
Final Score: FEU 73-75 DLSU#UAAPSeason80 ?#Stats pic.twitter.com/Ors0HnOMf2
— Pong Ducanes (@ompongski) October 11, 2017