The Archers unwrapped the Adamson version of their pressure defense as they hounded and harassed the Falcons throughout the game with a press and trap that netted 19 points off turnovers. So effective was the press off an Archer score that Adamson committed at least two 5 second inbound violations.
The Archers starting five of Simon, JV, Marko, James, and Joshua got off to a slow start, allowing the Falcons to take the lead in the early minutes of the game, 6-2 and 8-4, on inside incursions. James committed two early fouls, forcing Franz to field in Rico earlier than planned. Rico responded with three straight undergoal stabs and a free throw to singlehandedly grab the lead. Former Green Archer Galinato canned 1 out of 2 foul shots to tie the game for the last time at the 3:52 mark, before the Archers limited them to a single field goal to steadily pull away and end the quarter at 18-11. Shot clock problems delayed the start of the second quarter, but this did not cool down the hot Green Archers, who extended the lead on two triples by Peejay and Bader, a trademark Peejay running shot, and a JV fastbreak, 28-13. The layup of Adamson pg Canada with 3:35 to go pegged the Falcon score at 22, as the Archers went on to blank the Falcons for the rest of the half to finish at 35-22. Leading scorers at the half were JV (9), Rico (7), and Bader (6).
The Archers started the second half a bit sluggishly, allowing Adamson to whittle the lead down to four at 39-34 with 4:59 to go in the third quarter. Errors and missed shots, plus hurried 3point attempts by Rico and JWalsh all contributed to the rally of Adamson. With the Falcons threatening, the Archers steadied themselves. JV fished Agustin’s fourth foul, then scored on a triple, followed by a Peejay drive, 44-37. Rico intercepted a pass and received the outlet pass from JV. The lead ballooned to 9, 48-39, with a Maui short stab, a side jumper by JV, and another Rico drive from the top of the key. The Archers ended the third quarter comfortably ahead, 52-41. After that lapse of concentration, the Archers bore down on defense and forced Adamson to take hurried shots from outside.
Bader showed his nose for the ball by intercepting an Adamson pass to open the fourth quarter scoring, and the Falcons never threatened after that. Two baskets each by Maui and Peejay, and drives by Bader and Rico allowed the Archers to post the largest lead of the game at 63-47, as the Archers contented themselves with matching the Adamson output to finish the game with a 15 point lead. The Archers gave the Falcons a different defensive look in the fourth quarter, going to a zone that effectively disrupted the ball movement of Adamson.
Once again, JV was the steadying influence on the Archers, playing the most minutes with 33, scoring 19 points , 5 rebounds, 5 assists, and 2 steals. He could have scored more, but followed Franz’s instructions to distribute the ball and get others involved. Offensively, JV was very efficient, hitting 3 out of 5 three point attempts while making 5 out of 6 two pointers. JV also split the pg role with Simon, as LA was fielded sparingly due to his being under the weather. Curiously, JV was more accurate from the field, as he missed his only free throw.
Rico provided able support with 13 points on 6 out of 9 shooting as he scored mostly on drives. Rico missed his two attempts from 3point range. Maui Villanueva also showed why he was very highly regarded by the coaching staff, scoring 12 points on 6 of 7 shooting medium range jumpers in 24 minutes. Bader and Peejay both tallied 10 points as five Archers finished in double figures.
The Archers hit 6 out of 18 attempts from the long court, and 24 of 48 from two point land, while holding Adamson to 1/12 shooting on 3pointers. With their outside game stymied by the active defense of the Archers, Adamson was forced to go inside where they had some success, particularly in the third quarter when they made that run to cut the lead to 4. The Archers outrebounded their counterparts, 35-31, and had more assists, 18-13. However, the Archers once again almost matched their opponents in turnovers, 18-19. That clearly is an area that needs improvement.
Once again, Franz reverted to his 12-man rotation, and fielded four rookes: Maui, LA, Joshua, and Hyram. However, Joshua, LA, and Hyram saw limited action with 8, 6, and 1 minute(s) respectively.
It was a good, solid win, and the Archers showed that they can adjust their game to specific opponents once the coaching staff has done enough scouting. The Archers used the press/trap and zone defense, but extended the perimeter defense to prevent open shots. The Archers are slowly rounding off into form, but there are still some areas that need improvement, if they are to make it all the way to the finals. At this point in time, they’re about where they should be at this stage of the tournament.
SCORES
DLSU 76 – Casio 19, Maierhofer 13, Villanueva 12, Malabes 10, Barua 10, Atkins 4, Mangahas 4, Webb 2, Walsham 2, Revilla 0, Bagatsing 0, Lee 0 , Batricevic 0
Adamson 61 – Agustin 12, Colina 12, Galinato 9, Gonzalgo 9, Canada 6, Alvarez 6, Santos 3, Nuyles 2, Yambot 2, Lozada 0, Olalia 0, Margallo 0, Gorospe 0
Quarter Scores: 18-11; 35-22; 52-41; 76-61