De La Salle University got back on the winning track in the UAAP Season 87 Collegiate Men’s Basketball Tournament, but not without a strong challenge from the winless Far Eastern University, 68-62, on Wednesday evening at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The Green Archers, after a shock loss to the University of the East Red Warriors last Sunday, took control early in the third quarter.
La Salle built a 13-point lead, 45-32, and seemed poised to put the game away.
However, the Tamaraws, who had been trailing the entire first three quarters, mounted a fierce comeback.
Miguel Ona’s putback at the start of the fourth quarter gave FEU its first lead of the game.
La Salle responded with a final surge, as Mike Phillips, Henry Agunanne, and EJ Gollena combined to seal the victory.
The win secured the Green Archers’ spot at solo second place with a 4-1 record.
“It’s just another challenging opportunity for us. Can I go back to our UE game? UE didn’t upset us – they really deserved the win,” said Green Archers head coach Topex Robinson.
“We don’t really consider it an upset. UE gave us something that helped us. I guess it cleaned up the pressure of not losing. What it did was ground us and reminded us that this season will be hard, just like what happened today with FEU,” he added.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
Phillips was pivotal in the clutch, scoring six points in the last six minutes to finish with 13 points, 14 rebounds, and two blocks.
Kevin Quiambao flirted with a triple-double, posting 12 points, 11 rebounds, eight assists, and three steals.
EJ Abadam and Agunanne each added nine points to La Salle’s balanced attack.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
For FEU, rookie guard Pasaol led the team with 13 points, but his eight turnovers proved costly as the Tamaraws dropped to 0-5.
Gambian center Mo Konateh made a significant impact with 12 points, 25 rebounds, and four blocks in a losing effort.
Veejay Pre and Jorick Bautista struggled from the field, managing 11 and nine points, respectively, on poor shooting percentages.
La Salle will aim to extend their winning streak when they face the University of Santo Tomas on Sunday at 4:30 PM at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
Meanwhile, FEU will continue to search for their first victory as they go up against Ateneo de Manila University at 6:30 PM on the same day.
The Scores:
DLSU 68 – Phillips 13, Quiambao 12, Abadam 9, Agunanne 9, Gonzales 8, Gollena 6, David 3, Macalalag 3, Ramiro 3, Marasigan 2, Austria 0, Dungo 0, Rubico 0.
FEU 62 – Pasaol 13, Konateh 12, Pre 11, Bautista 9, Alforque 6, Montemayor 5, Nakai 4, Ona 2, Daa 0, Bagunu 0.
Quarterscores: 19-13, 38-28, 51-50, 68-62
