This game was a golden opportunity for La Salle to strengthen its bid for a playoff slot at the expense of the team crowding us for the 4th playoff slot – NU. . However, things did not go according to plan as the Archers lost to the Bulldogs, Archers 62–72 today at the SM MOA Arena. The loss droppedLa Salle to 7-5, while NU broke our tie in the loss column, improving to a 7-4 record.
Unlike the first round matchup which went to two overtimes, NU dominated this encounter, leading by double digits for most of the second half, led by Bobby Ray Parks who burned the nets for 32 points. Jeron Teng ledLa Salle with 20 points and 4 assists followed by Almond Vosotros who registered 13 points, all in the second half.
After a tight first quarter, the Bulldogs went on a scoring spree in the second period to lead 36-26 at the half. In the third quarter, Parks waxed hot, scoring 17 points to help the Bulldogs lead by as many as 16 points.
La Sallemanaged to cut the lead to single digits at the start of the fourth quarter, but Parks managed to hit even the most improbable shots to maintain the margin until the end of the game.
The Bulldogs were more aggressive throughout the game, driving the lane and taking the ball to the basket, and this aggressiveness found favor with the referees who awarded the Bulldogs with 30 free-throw attempts as compared to the Archers’ 7. NU also won the rebounding department 47-32 but had 17 turnovers as compared toLa Salle’s 9.
The loss, while discouraging, does not mean thatLa Salleis out of the running for the playoffs. But the Archers will need to win the last two assignments against FEU and Adamson, and hope that NU either sweeps its matches, or if it loses to FEU, loses one more of its 3 remaining games.
NU on the other hand will still face Ateneo, UP and FEU.
Note: This game marked the return of team captain LA Revilla who missed a good number of games thanks to a chronic ankle injury that he sustained in the past. He scored 2 points in 9 minutes of playing time.
Box Scores:
DLSU 62 – Teng 20, Vosotros 13, Van Opstal 7, N. Torres 6, Mendoza 4, T. Torres 3, Manguera 3, Andrada 2, Tampus 2, Revilla 2, Webb 0.
NU 72 – Parks 32, Alolino 11, Rosario 6, Khobuntin 6, De Guzman 6, Mbe 4, Javillionar 4, Villamor 3, Singh 0, Rono 0, Betayene 0.
Quarter Scores: 15-15;26-36;45-56;62-72