It was a nip and tuck affair all game.
FEU threatened to pull away in the 4th but despite their struggles from the field, La Salle managed to remain within striking distance thanks largely to their steady free throw shooting. Their first two point basket in that period came at the 2:47 mark.
Up by four with over a minute left in this playoff match, the Green Archers were one stop or basket away from sealing the last berth in the Final Four.
Unfortunately, FEU proved to be the steadier team in the end.
With La Salle still leading by 2 with 20 ticks remaining, Tamaraw Arvin Tolentino drained the go-ahead three from the middle. Shades of Mac Belo right here.
But there was still 3 seconds left in the game. Green Archers called time to map out one final play. With Aljun Melecio inbounding, he lobbed the ball to Santi Santillan under the rim but the shot did not fall.
Game over! 70-71, La Salle’s season is done.
After all the personnel losses and injuries entering this season, just reaching the Final Four would have already been a major accomplishment.
But it was just not meant to be.
Playing in their final UAAP game, Santillan and team captain Kib Montalbo finished with 20 and 7 points respectively.
That's a wrap for #UAAPSeason81 basketball.
See you next year.
pic.twitter.com/OomYnedOgS— GoArchers (@GoArchers) November 21, 2018
Box Scores
DLSU 70 – Santillan 20, Melecio 9, Caracut 9, Montalbo 7, Baltazar 6, Manuel 5, Samuel 4, Dyke 3, Go 3, Bates 2, Serrano 2
FEU 71 – Tolentino 15, Ebona 12, Tuffin 11, Escoto 10, Comboy 8, Parker 7, Inigo 5, Cani 2, Orizu 1, Stockton 0, Gonzales 0, Bienes 0
Quarterscores: 22-21, 36-38, 54-51, 71-70