The De La Salle University made a hard stand late in the game to overcome the National University, 115-109 on Saturday in the UAAP Season 80 men’s basketball tournament at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Ricci Rivero boosted the Archers to escape from the gutsy Bulldogs, after making shots at the most crucial times in the game.
From a close game of 104-103 with three minutes left in the game, Rivero continued to make shots for the game followed by back-to-back points from Senegalese student-athlete Issa Gaye, to provide La Salle a comfortable lead over the Bulldogs, 113-109.
“We showed a lot of tenacity and we were resilient and the composure was there. We were also able to execute our plays, especially during the end game,” said Coach Aldin Ayo.
Rivero paced the Green Archers with 21 points and seven rebounds, while Aljun Melecio chipped in 20 points and eight assists to clinch their second win in the season.
Third year Jolo Go made it big for DLSU as well, after scoring eight of his 19 points in the third quarter to overcome an 80-69 NU lead and Santi Santillan finished with another double-double with 13 points and 16 rebounds.
Meanwhile, Jordan Barlett led the Bulldogs once again, with 23 points, while JJay Alejandro finished with 18 points and Gaye added another 16 in the defeat.
The Scores:
DLSU 115 – Rivero R 21, Melecio 20, Go 19, Santillan 13, Tratter 11, Rivero P 10, Caracut 9, Montalbo 8, Baltazar 4
