23 October 2019
By Maxine Louise Lagman
MANILA, Philippines – The De La Salle University survived a late rally by UST stalwart Rhenz Abando for a hard earned 80-79 win on Wednesday in the UAAP Season 82 men’s basketball tournament at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The Green Archers were banking on a nine-point lead in the last three minutes of the game when Abando scored six unanswered points to cut the deficit to three, 77-80, 10.9 seconds left in the game. He then stole the ball again from La Salle and made a run for UST side of the court for a three-pointer that perfectly went in the basket.
But, a review saw Abando’s foot was not exactly on the three-point line, which meant he did not put in a three, and he was not able to tie the game at 80 to send it to overtime. La Salle won the game.
“The players responded and they showed urgency and we’ve been preaching that the past two days. And we’re just glad we were able to get this win,” said La Salle coach Gian Nazario. “Hats off to UST they played well also. That’s already a given, but we’ll take this win.”
With the win, the Green Archers improved to a 6-6 win-loss record, just behind third-running Far Eastern University. La Salle will have to win their remaining games against University of the Philippines and Adamson University to assure themselves a sure spot in the next round.
Jamie Malonzo led La Salle with 23 points, seven rebounds, three steals, and two assists, while Aljun Melecio added 18 markers, six dimes, and two boards. Justine Baltazar and Brandon Bates also contributed double-double records of 14 points and 11 rebounds, and 10 markers and 15 boards, respectively.
For UST, Abando paced with 19 points, while Soulemane Chabi Yo had a 17-point, 17-rebound double-double as they dropped to a 7-6 slate to join the Tamaraws for third spot.
The Scores:
LA SALLE 80 – Malonzo 23, Melecio 18, Baltazar 14, Bates 10, Hill 5, Manuel 5, Caracut 2, Serrano 2, Bartlett 1, Lojera 0.
UST 79 – Abando 19, Chabi Yo 17, Cansino 9, Bataller 6, Subido 6, Paraiso 5, Huang 4, Nonoy 4, Ando 3, Concepcion 3, Cuajao 3, Bordeos 0.
QUARTER SCORES: 19-24, 37-44, 63-57, 80-79
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