Defending FilOil Flying V Preseason Premier Cup champions De La Salle University Green Archers pulled out clutch baskets and a huge defensive stop to subdue the erstwhile undefeated Lyceum of the Philippines Pirates, 121-119, in overtime, Friday evening at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
Andrei Caracut fired off two straight triples in the extension to carry the Taft-based squad to its fourth consecutive win. The Green Archers now post a 4-1 win-loss record. Meanwhile, the Pirates took their first defeat to a 3-1 card
Ricci Rivero filled-up the stat sheet with 23 points, five rebounds, two assists, and two steals, to go along a huge end-game block. Ben Mbala ended with 19 markers and 17 boards prior to fouling out early in the overtime period.
“They gave us a dose of our own medicine,” second-year Green Archers head coach Aldin Ayo remarked about Lyceum’s play.
It was a strong start for the Pirates, which they carried all the way to the third quarter, leading by as much as 13 points early in the canto. Sensing urgency, La Salle picked up their defensive intensity to turn it around.
The Green Archers registered a huge 21-7 run in the fourth to take the lead, 101-99, with 2:20 left in the period. Jaycee Marcelino had a chance to rescue the win for Lyceum, but could only muster a split from the line and has just sent the game into overtime.
CJ Perez cut the deficit to two, 119-121, giving the Pirates some life line. Nonetheless, La Salle denied three point-blank shots to seal the win for good.
Ayo commented that they need to play more consistent defense in their next games. He said, “Nabubutas kami dun sa ibabaw, and whether were going to switch or not. There were lapses on our side. Hopefully, we’ll learn from this.”
The Green Archers will face the PBA D-League team Flying V Thunder on Sunday, May 21 at 5 pm.
Perez once more paced Lyceum with 25 points and seven rebounds. Jasper Ayaay ended with 22 markers and 11 boards.
The Pirates (3-1) will try to bounce back when they locked arms with Jose Rizal University (3-0) on Monday, May 22 at 5 pm.
The Scores:
DLSU (121) – Rivero 23, Mbala 19, Melecio 19, Santillan 17, Montalbo 16, Caracut 14, Baltazar 6, Tratter 5, Gonzales 2, Go 0.
LPU (119) – Perez 25, Ayaay 22, Nzeusseu 18, Caduyac 14, Jv.Marcelino 13 Jc.Marcelino 8, Baltazar 8, Tansingco 6, Santos 3, Marata 2, Ibanez 0, Serrano 0 Liwag 0.
Quarterscores: 27-32, 48-52, 72-87, 107-107, 121-119.
