Fourth-seeded DLSU Green Archers flexed its full lineup against the No. 1, twice-to-beat-armed NU Bulldogs in their UAAP Final Four encounter.
La Salle used the full strength of its complete lineup to shoot down No. 1 National University, 87-77, and force a decider in their UAAP Season 88 men's basketball Final Four battle at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Cubao Wednesday, Dec. 3.
The fourth-seeded Green Archers welcomed back Kean Baclaan from an injury and EJ Gollena from a one-game suspension to get the extra hands they needed to shock the twice-to-beat-armed Bulldogs.
Baclaan collected six points, two assists and one rebound in more than 19 minutes on the floor in his return after missing eight games since incurring an MCL injury in DLSU's match against University of the East last October.
Even as he and Mason Amos, who was also hit with an MCL injury in the same month, continue to tread lightly because of their injuries, La Salle still saw it as a step in the right direction.
“For us, it's really been hard to make it here. It wasn't given to us. We earned it. Earning it together,” Green Archers head coach Topex Robinson said.
“It's really big to lose Kean and Mason at the start of the season. Again, we're just fortunate.”
Gollena, for his part, produced 11 markers to earn Player of the Game honors.
EJ Gollena and Mike Phillips react during La Salle and National University's UAAP Final Four encounter. | Photo: RM Chua/One Sports
With more offensive options, DLSU drew at least six points from nine players in the match.
Jacob Cortez led the way with 13 points in just 21 minutes of play, Mike Phillips had a double-double of 12 markers and 17 rebounds, while Vhoris Marasigan scored 10.
JC Macalalag and Luis Pablo each chipped in nine points, Amos contributed eight, while Earl Abadam six.
Teamwork mentality
DLSU came out with guns blazing, posting a 13-point lead, 22-9, in the first quarter.
Despite NU’s best efforts to stage a comeback in the second half, a flat start in the third period caused the Bulldogs to slip to a do-or-die matchup in their first foray as the top seed since 2013.
While La Salle’s biggest win of the season did come at a time when Baclaan and Amos were back in form, there were still a lot of days when they had to make do.
Having to deal with injuries, suspensions and other challenges, the Green Archers were spread thin.
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Thankfully for Robinson, his players were able to prioritize team results rather than just stuffing the stat sheet.
At the end of the day, they were able to give Amos and Baclaan the time they needed to return, thanks to the support of others.
“We're just blessed to have these players who are really willing to give up their own agenda heading into the season just to contribute. It's really hard to take care of all this talent and put it in one basket without the basket rotting,” said Robinson.
“These guys were positive, led by positive leaders. It's just a testament of how these guys really support and trust each other,” he added.
The Green Archers and the Bulldogs clash for the last time for the right to step foot in the finals at the same venue Saturday, Dec. 6.
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Luisa Morales is a sportswriter with a special interest in promoting women’s sports.
Her coverage highlights include the UAAP, PVL, Southeast Asian Games, and the FIBA World Cup. She also follows Alex Eala, the Philippine women’s national football team, and mixed martial arts.