In his second stint back in charge of the De La Salle Green Archers, Derrick Pumaren finally beat the Ateneo Blue Eagles again after over 30 years.
Deemed as one of the top contenders who can take away UP’s crown, La Salle knew it needed to prove its title credentials, and prove them they did with an impressive 83-78 victory over Ateneo.
It was the first time the Taft school prevailed over its Katipunan rivals since November 29, 2017, which was the second game of both school’s finals series back in Season 80 – a fact that was not lost to Pumaren.
“I used that also as a motivation. The other day in practice, I showed them the number 2017 and the seven. That was the last time La Salle won,” said the two-time PBA champion. “I think it was in Game Two of that finals in 2017 and the seven is we’ve lost to Ateneo seven straight times.
“It was an added motivation for the guys. Most of them are new so they should realize what’s in store and what’s at stake this time. As I said, they really went all out to get this victory, this hard-earned victory.”
The Green Archers were down by as much as 12 points in the first half. They even lost out on the rebounding game as they only seized 41 boards compared to the Blue Eagles’ 63.
La Salle even only had seven second-chance points compared to Ateneo’s 28. Despite all of those challenges, La Salle still found a way to win.
“Hats off to Ateneo. We know that they’re not an ordinary team. We know that they fought hard. In fact, we got killed on the offensive rebounds,” said the 2022 PBA D-League champion.
“They had 36 offensive rebounds and we have to correct that. But in the end, when we needed a rebound, we were able to get it.”
Just like any coach, though, Pumaren wants to see consistency from his boys. There are still 11 games to go for the Green Archers in this elimination round.
If the goal is to win the first UAAP crown since Season 79, La Salle needs to be on top of every team. One win over Ateneo – no matter how big – does not change that.
The University of the East Red Warriors are up next for the Green Archers and as seen when both teams faced off in the second round of Season 84, the latter cannot take their feet off the pedal if they want to get another win.
“This win means nothing if we don’t take care of business against UE. This win means nothing,” emphasized Pumaren.
“We cannot be too happy about this win. I know we’re happy (because) in seven games, finally La Salle has won over Ateneo but that is not the championship,” the decorated head coach tontinue.
“That is not what we’re here for. The season is still too early. There’s nothing really to celebrate. We just have to focus and stay on track and take care of business against UE and we don’t underestimate them.”
