11 September 2019
By Maxine Louise Lagman
MANILA, Philippines – De La Salle University bounced back from its opening game loss in the UAAP Season 82 men’s basketball tournament, defeating National University, 83-82, on Wednesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The Green Archers were mostly in control of the game, even taking a 14-point advantage in the final quarter, 80-66, with only six minutes left.
But the Bulldogs went on for a 15-1 and capped by another trey from Shaun Ildefonso to put NU on the lead, 82-81, with 28.1 ticks left on the clock.
La Salle was not just about to give up as Aljun Melecio found Kurt Lojera for an open jumper that gave them back the lead, 83-82.
NU could have saved the game, but Ildefonso missed his three-point attempt as time ran out.
“One thing we can’t address at the moment is our inexperience,” said La Salle coach Gian Nazario. “And when a team like that rattles you a lot, familiarity will be an advantage.” Nazario added that it showed they were rattled especially in the last quarter, but at least they “were able to push through.”
Justine Baltazar posted a 23-point, 10-rebound double-double, while Jamie Malonzo added a double-double record of his own with 14 markers and 11 boards. Melecio added 10 points in their first win in the season after losing over to Ateneo De Manila University last week.
On the other hand, NU dropped to a 0-2 slate despite Shaun Ildefonso’s 26-point output, along with Lloyd Clemente’s 19 markers.
The Scores:
LA SALLE 83 – Baltazar 23, Malonzo 14, Melecio 10, Caracut 7, Lojera 6, Meeker 6, Serrano 6, Bates 4, Pado 4, Cagulangan 3, Cu 0, Hill 0, Manuel 0.
NU 82 – S. Ildefonso 26, Clemente 19, Gallego 12, Gaye 11, D. Ildefonso 8, Joson 2, Minerva 2, Mosqueda 2, Diputado 0, Galinato 0, Mangayao 0, Oczon 0, Tibayan 0, Yu 0.
QUARTER SCORES: 22-12, 42-32, 67-57, 83-82.
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