DLSU steps on gas pedal late to trip UP

MANILA, Philippines — De La Salle University uncorked a 15-0 run midway in the fourth period and they tripped the University of the Philippines, 72-68, in the men’s basketball tournament of UAAP Season 78 on Wednesday, November 11 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. 

The Green Archers improved to 6-7 and tied defending champion NU Bulldogs at fourth place as the Final Four race tightens with the UST Growling Tigers already secured of a twice-to-beat. 

“I think it’s a sense of urgency that the players showed today even if Jeron (Teng) hurt his back in the first half and Thomas (Torres) sprained his ankle,” said head coach June Sauler. “They showed tremendous heart coming to play today.” 

La Salle, which raced to an early 19-4 lead before UP trimmed it to 27-26 by halftime, stepped on the gas pedal and rallied to turn a 54-60 deficit with 7:04 left in the fourth into a 69-60 lead on a Jeron Teng 3-point play with under 3 minutes to go.

The Fighting Maroons came as close as 69-66 courtesy of a Diego Dario and-one play and a split from the line by Jett Manuel with under a minute remaining, but failed to execute in the endgame committing 3 crucial turnovers as the Archers held on for the victory. 

“The players started pressing anchored by Jeron and Thomas,” Sauler said of the huge game-changing run. “We forced turnovers then their energy just started to pick up from there.” 

Teng topscored for La Salle with 20 points to go with 4 rebounds, two assists and a steal. Prince Rivero had a double-double as he went 7-for-12 from the field for 18 points along with 16 rebounds, 3 assists, and a steal.

Torres also finished with a double-double of 11 markers and 12 boards. The playmaker twisted his right ankle at the 3:17 mark of the fourth after it was inadvertently kicked in a play. He was in visible pain and had to be helped off to the bench but returned with 1:24 remaining to finish the contest. 

Jett Manuel led the Maroons with 15 points despite missing all 5 of his 3-point attempts. Christian Moralde and Paul Desiderio added 14 and 10 points, respectively, as UP fell to 3-10 with one game left.

The game was briefly halted in the third period due to a uniform error on the part of the Maroons, which was reportedly caught by Archers assistant coach Allan Caidic. 

Guard Pio Longa was seen wearing a jersey short that had an oblation logo on the right – instead of on the left like the rest of his teammates – at the 8:43 mark of the third period with UP leading La Salle, 32-28. 

Play was stopped for about 10 minutes as team, league officials, and the referees discussed the issue. The Maroons bench was eventually slapped with a technical foul but Torres missed the technical free throw. La Salle then went on a 17-9 run since the lull to take a 45-41 lead late in that period.

“It was brought about because it was seen that I think one player was not wearing the exact uniform but I told my assistant coaches to just handle it,” Sauler said of the incident. “I did not want to meddle in that aspect.” 

The Maroons fought neck-and-neck with the Archers but lack of experience ultimately doomed them down the stretch.

Scores: 

La Salle (72): Teng 20, Rivero 18, Torres 11, Torralba 8, Caracut 7, Perkins 4, Langston 2, Muyang 2, Go 0. 

UP (68): Manuel 15, Moralde 14, Desiderio 10, Dario 9, Longa 8, Amar 6, Gallarza 2, Kone 2, Vito 2, Harris 0, Jaboneta 0, Juruena 0, Lim 0.

Quarter scores: 19-6, 27-26, 49-52, 72-68. 

— Rappler.com