The DLSU Green Archers managed to hang on against a tough SWU squad 59-54 in the opening game day of the Elite 8 round of the continuing PCCL games held at the Cebu Coliseum.
The Archers had a slow start as Jasper Parker and Mac Tallo did the damage offensively for the Cobras as the Cebuano team built an early cushion in the opening quarter. The defending champions countered with their own 12-5 blast in the opening moments of the second period to regain the lead at 22-21 as newcomer Daryl Pascual punched in two timely triples.
The Cobra’s interior defense was affected by Landry Sanjo’s foul trouble issues the entire game. The second and third unit guys of the Taft-based crew provided quality minutes to help La Salle in the late stages of the first half.
Reigning PCCL Finals MVP Jeron Teng started the third quarter on a hot streak as he scored six of the first seven points of La Salle. Prince Rivero’s undergoal bucket helped the Green Archers establish their largest lead at 38-29.
A timeout called by SWU started the Cobra’s rally led by former Green Archer Tallo who scored on three layups.
With 1:05 left in the game and the Archers lead by two, Tallo had a chance to tie the game but split his freethrows, while Rivero made a powerful bucket on the other end but also failed to convert on the bonus freethrow.
Former Cobra Ben Mbala made a crucial defensive stop against his former team as Robert Bolick iced the game on the other end with two freethrows.
“They could have played better” said Coach Juno Sauler who led the still-undefeated DLSU squad in this year’s PCCL games. “They(Green Archers) turned the ball over and we gave up a lot of offensive rebounds that’s why they got back.” He added.
The defending PCCL champions will face the University of Visayas tomorrow, 5:15 still at Cebu Coliseum.
the scores:
DLSU (59) – Teng 11, Torres 9, Rivero 9, Montalbo 8, Mbala 8, Pascual 6, Bolick 4, Torralba 2, Mustre 2, Tratter 0, Salem 0.
SWU (54) – Tallo 18, J.R. Parker 15, Valdor 7, Bregondo 6, Goloran 3, Pardo 2, Luz 2, Sanjo 1, Mohammed 0, J.J. Parker 0, Holper 0.
Quarter Scores: 12-16; 29-27; 45-44; 59-54.
