De La Salle University showcased its dominance with a powerful fourth-quarter surge, routing the University of Santo Tomas 88-67 to maintain solo second place in the UAAP Season 87 Collegiate Men’s Basketball Tournament on Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
This victory marks the Green Archers’ 15th consecutive win over the Growling Tigers since Season 79, a streak that began with a decisive 100-62 victory on September 14, 2016.
Entering the final period with a nine-point lead, La Salle quickly extended its advantage with an explosive 8-0 run, pushing the score to 69-52 with 7:17 left on the clock.
Vhoris Marasigan’s three-pointer, CJ Austria’s layup, and another three-pointer from Alex Konov capped a game-high lead of 24 points at 88-64.
“I think the key for us this afternoon is that we really tried to outwork them. We know what they’re capable of, we know how well coached that team is, and sabi nga namin, our goal right now is to just outwork UST,” said Green Archers head coach Topex Robinson.
The rebounding battle was a significant factor in the game, as the Green Archers grabbed 56 rebounds (35 defensive and 21 offensive) compared to the Growling Tigers’ season-low of 29 rebounds.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
Mike Phillips led La Salle’s charge once again, contributing 12 points, 18 rebounds, two assists, and one block. He dedicated the game to Doleo Susalta, the team compound’s security guard and one of his close friends, who passed away recently.
Rookie Vhoris Marasigan, described by Robinson as a “force to be reckoned with,” had an efficient outing with 11 points on 4-of-5 shooting from the field.
Raven Gonzales enjoyed his best performance of the season, finishing with 10 points, five rebounds, two steals, and a game-high plus-25 rating in 14 minutes and 20 seconds of action.
Kevin Quiambao and JC Macalalag also chipped in with 10 points each.
“It breeds how one of the things that we really wanted to bring to life is how the ‘one more’ mentality; guys knowing that they will have their opportunity when it comes,” Robinson added.
Looking ahead, La Salle will next face the undefeated University of the Philippines in a highly anticipated finals rematch next Sunday, October 6, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
A victory for the Green Archers would create a two-way tie for first place in the standings.
In contrast, the loss leaves UST tied for fourth place with the University of the East, as both teams now hold 3-2 records.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
Nic Cabanero paced the Growling Tigers in the losing effort with 16 points on 7-of-11 shooting. Meanwhile, Forthsky Padrigao recorded a double-digit scoring output for the first time this season with 15 points to go along with five assists.
Malian foreign student-athlete Mo Tounkara exited the game with less than seven minutes left after committing his fourth foul, limiting him to five points and five rebounds.
However, he still contributed defensively with a pair of steals and blocks.
The Growling Tigers will look to bounce back against the Fighting Maroons on Wednesday, October 2, at the same Cubao venue.
The Scores:
DLSU (88) – Phillips 12, Marasigan 11, Quiambao 10, Gonzales 10, Macalalag 10, Agunanne 7, Austria 6, Gollena 6, Dungo 6, David 4, Abadam 3, Konov 3, Ramiro 0.
UST (67) – Cabañero 16, Padrigao 15, Acido 9, Manaytay 8, Tounkara 5, Llemit 5, Danting 5, Robinson 2, Lane 2, Calum 0, Estacio 0, Paranada 0, Mahmood 0, Crisostomo 0, Pangilinan 0, Laure 0.
Quarterscores: 19-18, 36-28, 61-50, 88-67
