DE LA SALLE University put the clamps on rival Ateneo de Manila University in the third quarter, which spelled the difference in its 74-61 wire-to-wire conquest, maintaining its undefeated record in the UAAP Season 87 Collegiate Men’s Basketball Tournament at the SM Mall of Asia Arena on Sunday evening.
The Green Archers held the Blue Eagles to just four points in the third period while scoring 15 points themselves, taking a commanding 59-44 lead into the final quarter.
The other three quarters were closely contested, with La Salle’s largest margin being just three points in the opening frame, 21-18.
The second quarter was narrowly won by the Green Archers, 23-22, while Ateneo took the fourth quarter, 17-15.
“We just stayed disciplined in what we do. We made a lot of mistakes along the line, we had 22 turnovers and that’s something we have to work on. Ateneo threw a lot of freak defense on us and good thing, we’re able to get our bearings back to get the win,” said La Salle head coach Topex Robinson.
La Salle, keen to defend its title, now holds a 3-0 record at the top of the eight-team field.
The Green Archers also dominated the rebounding department, nearly doubling Ateneo’s total with a 62-38 advantage, including a 24-15 edge on the offensive boards, leading to a 17-7 advantage in second-chance points.
Reigning Most Valuable Player Kevin Quiambao contributed 13 points, 13 rebounds, and seven assists, though he struggled from the field with a 4-of-14 shooting performance, including 1-of-9 from beyond the arc. Mike Phillips also added 13 points and 14 rebounds.
JC Macalalag, Joshua David, and Raven Gonzales supported the scoring effort with nine, eight, and seven points, respectively.
Up next for La Salle is a game against the winless University of the East next Sunday at 6:30 p.m., still at the same bayside Pasay venue.
Ateneo dropped to 0-3, with all games decided by double figures, extending their worst start under head coach Tab Baldwin.
The last time the Blue Eagles began a season with this record was in Season 76 (2013) during Bo Perasol’s first year as head coach.
Shawn Tuano was the lone bright spot for the Blue Eagles, scoring 18 points and grabbing six rebounds, though he missed all six of his free throw attempts.
Rookie Jared Bahay registered eight points, six assists, and three steals in his first rivalry game but shot poorly, going 2-of-10 from the field.
Nigerian big man Victor Balogun fouled out in the fourth period, contributing three points, four rebounds, and two blocks.
Ateneo will continue its search for its first win on Saturday against Adamson University at 6:30 p.m. at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.
The Scores:
DLSU 74 – Quiambao 13, Phillips 13, Macalalag 9, David 8, Gonzales 7, Gollena 6, Dungo 6, Abadam 6, Ramiro 2, Agunanne 2, Marasigan 2, Konov 0, Rubico 0.
Ateneo 61 – Tuano 18, Bongo 9, Bahay 8, Porter 8, Espina 6, Lazaro 6, Balogun 3, Quitevis 2, Espinosa 1, Gamber 0, Ong 0.
Quarterscores: 21-18, 44-40, 59-44, 74-