THE De La Salle University (DLSU) Green Archers was tensed – they scowled and their muscles tightened. In the last two quarters of the game, the National University (NU) Bulldogs took over, and DLSU got one last chance, ten minutes to turn the game around.
It seemed as if DLSU’s prayers to Our Lady of Peñafrancia have been heard when a delay in the fourth quarter happened. DLSU had a chance to rethink their strategies, and finally came back better in their offense, winning over NU, 75-66, on Sunday at the Araneta Coliseum.
Jeron Teng led his team in the fourth and scored three consecutive inside shots. It sparked the Archers to follow through. They executed a full-court press against the Bulldogs and scored multiple shots, leaving NU, 23-12 in the last quarter.
The jam- packed green crowd erupted to loud cheers with the banging of the drums and melodic trumpets accompanying them.
“We were expecting this kind of game. This is our first win against them for the whole season. They even beat us twice at our tune up games. We know that this will go down the wire,” said DLSU Coach Aldin Ayo.
Despite former DLSU player, Matthew Salem’s efforts to close the gap and score for NU, it was not enough to stop the Archers from exploding great offensive and defensive play.
Finished off with 23 points, Teng claimed that their defense was what made them win the game.
“We just executed our defense. We are physically and mentally ready for the grind of the game – survival of the fittest. In the system that we have, kung sino yung may pinakamagandang conditioning, sa tingin ko ‘yun yung mananalo,” Ayo added.
Ben Mbala almost graduated from the game after four fouls. However, he still scored another double-double with 16 points and 15 rebounds.
DLSU remains unbeatable and stays atop the UAAP standings, 4-0.
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