Behind Kib Montalbo’s game-high 25 points, the De La Salle Green Archers overcame a 20-point first half deficit to beat the Gilas Cadets squad 91-72 yesterday for their second win in as many games in the Fil-Oil Flying-V tournament.
The 5th year guard also finished with 8 rebounds, 5 assists and 6 steals. Aljun Melecio and Taane Samuel each chipped in 18 and 16 points respectively.
Trailing 14-34, the Green Archers inched their way back to cut Gilas’ lead to just 9 at the half. The team managed to sustained the momentum come the second half as they took the lead 66-65 entering the final quarter.
After a 71-deadlock, La Salle went on a ferocious 20-1 scoring run capped off by three-straight tripled by Montalbo to end the match.
Fast forward to at 1:47:00 to watch the game
Kobe Paras led Gilas with 19 points. Former Green Archers Abu Tratter, Prince and Ricci Rivero played and combined for 14 points.
When asked if there was added motivation for the team to win, head coach Louie Gonzalez simply emphasized the opportunity to play against the National Team.
“Malaking opportunity kasi talaga ito, malaking test yang National Team. Whatever you say thats the best of the best e,” shared Gonzalez.”
The only motivation Montalbo and the Green Archers had for the contest were each other.
“Lagi naman eh. Pero mino-motivate ako ng teammates ko eh,” Montalbo shared about his aggression in the contest. “The big lead was because we were relaxed in the first half.”
The team’s next game will be against Perpetual Help next Friday at 4:30pm.