November 06, 2024

UAAP: De La Salle rides second-half surge in convincing win over Ateneo

UAAP: De La Salle rides second-half surge in convincing win over Ateneo
Kevin Quiambao had an all-around game to lead the DLSU Green Archers past the Ateneo Blue Eagles in UAAP Season 87. Photo (c) RM Chua/One Sports

The DLSU Green Archers clamped down on defense in the second half to take a dominating win over the Ateneo Blue Eagles, 74-61, for their third win in UAAP Season 87 at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City on Sunday, September 15.

After the Blue Eagles rallied to erase an 11-point lead in the second quarter and tied the game at 40-all with a Waki Espina triple, La Salle shifted its attention on the defensive end to dismantle Ateneo’s game plan.

From the point of the deadlock, La Salle only allowed 21 points for the rest of the game, including a third quarter where the Archers outscored the Blue Eagles, 15-4.

The Green Archers continued to push the issue and even led by as many as 20 points in the fourth, 66-46, after JC Macalalag converted on an and-one opportunity.

Despite Ateneo’s best efforts to catch up, La Salle was able to hang on comfortably for the victory.

Reigning MVP Kevin Quiambao continued to dominate for La Salle with an all around game of 13 points, 13 rebounds, seven assists, and two steals. 

Meanwhile, Mike Phillips chipped in with a double-double of 13 points and 14 rebounds.

After the match, DLSU head coach Topex Robinson said that it was all about his players sticking to the system.

“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,” said Robinson.

“Ateneo threw a lot of freak defense on us and good thing, we’re able to get our bearings back to get the win,” he added.

La Salle thus sends Ateneo reeling to the team’s worst start in 10 years as the Blue Eagles have skidded to a 0-3 record in Season 87.

Meanwhile, the defending champions are at the top spot with an immaculate 3-0 record.

La Salle goes for its fourth win on Sunday, September 22, when the champs face the UE Red Warriors at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Ateneo, for its part, faces Adamson next on Saturday, September 21, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

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