DLSU bests FEU, steps closer to Final Four

MANILA, Philippines – In a duel of two of the league’s best 3-point shooters, Almond Vosotros drained the most important one.

The sharpshooting guard drilled in a triple from way out as De La Salle University doused water on Far Eastern University’s fiery rally to escape with a 63-56 decision in the 75th UAAP men’s basketball tournament on Sunday, September 16, at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

With their double-digit lead gone and the Tamaraws perilously close, Vosotros banked in an all-important connection from rainbow territory that helped the Green Archers maintain their lead and keep their hold of the fourth spot with an 8-5 card.

“Sobrang lucky nung shot na yun,” Vosotros candidly shared. “Di ko in-expect na ma-shoo-shoot.” (That was a lucky shot. I didn’t think it’d go in.) 

Vosotros’ triple, coupled with two more free throws from him and one from Jeron Teng, gave the Taft-based squad a 59-49 advantage, enough to stave off one last challenge by FEU.

Vosotros finished with 21 points, Teng posted 10 points and 10 boards and LA Revilla added 8 markers for the Archers, who will face the resurgent Adamson Soaring Falcons in their last elimination round game on Thursday.

“Our goal right now is to win against Adamson,” coach Gee Abanilla said. “Whatever happens after that, hindi na namin kontrolado yun.” (What happens after that is beyond our control.)

Terrence Romeo had more three-pointers with 5, ending with a game-high 26 points. His monster scoring effort, however, wasn’t enough to prevent FEU from sliding to 9-4.

NU 65, UP 60

In the first game, National University almost wasted an 18-point lead but held on to trip University of the Philippines, 65-60, to also go 8-5.

Reigning MVP Bobby Ray Parks sizzled with 17 points, six rebounds and four assists while Emmanuel Mbe hit some clutch baskets and added 13 markers and 14 boards.

On the other hand, Mike Silungan and Alvin Padilla led the Fighting Maroons in scoring for the last time in their collegiate careers after hitting 14 and 11 points, respectively. – Rappler.com

First game

NU, 65: Parks 17, Mbe 13, Rosario 10, Javillonar 8, Alolino 8, Rono 3, Singh 2, Labing-isa 2, De Guzman 2, Villamor 0, Neypes 0, Khobuntin 0, Betayene 0

UP, 60: Padilla 14, Silungan 11, Mbah 8, Soyud 8, Ball 7, Manuel 3, Lopez 3, Montecastro 2, Gamboa 2, Asilum 2, Wierzba 0, Hipolito 0

Quarter scoring: 12-11, 30-21, 51-41, 65-60

Second game

DLSU, 63: Vosotros 21, Teng 10, Revilla 8, Andrada 8, Van Opstal 6, N. Torres 6, T. Torres 3, Mendoza 2, Webb 0, Manguera 0, Tampus 0

FEU, 56: Romeo 26, Garcia 10, Mendoza 8, Escoto 5, Cruz 3, Tolomia 2, Hargrove 2, Sentcheu 0, Pogoy 0, Bringas 0

Quarter scoring: 11-12, 26-24, 42-33, 63-56