UAAP: Green Archers eke out tough victory against UST

After trailing for most of the first three quarters, the DLSU Green Archers, forced crucial turnovers and relied on key baskets down the stretch to slip past the UST Growling Tigers, 67-60, last September 6 to remain in contention for the crucial twice-to-beat advantage in the Final Four.

Jeron Teng led the Green Archers with 26 points, seven rebounds, and made the crucial free throws down the stretch to ice the win for La Salle. Throughout the game, Teng made 14 out of 17 free throws, continuing his run of impressive shooting from the line this season. Arnold van Opstal added 11 points–10 in the second half–and seven rebounds in just 18 minutes of play.

Kib Montalbo also chipped in eight points and five rebounds while Norbert Torres and Julian Sargent also added seven points each. Though he finished the game with only four points, Jason Perkins added 13 rebounds, but missed all five of his free throws.

Starting guard Ed Daquioag led UST with 19 points and four rebounds before fouling out in the fourth quarter. Kent Lao added 14 points witj four three pointers while Karim Abdul had 13 points and 14 rebounds before also fouling out.

As a team La Salle was unable to capitalize on its free throws, as the Green Archers made just 23 out of 39 attempts. Because of this, La Salle was behind for most of the game until Teng and van Opstal combined to put UST away in the end.

After the contest, DLSU head coach Juno Sauler shared, “I’m sure we could do better [with free throws], even from the three point area. What pulled us through was how we defended.”

The first half was a see-saw affair that saw the Growling Tigers sneak past the Green Archers to take a 34-30 lead at halftime. Jeron Teng scored seven in the first quarter alone, however, his three fouls prevented him from being an effective contributor in the second period. Sargent also made two threes in the second period to keep the Green Archers within striking distance throughout the first half.

In the third quarter, Teng teamed up with Perkins and van Opstal to give the Green Archers a 43-38 lead with a couple of minutes remaining. However, the Growling Tigers immediately took back the lead and they entered the fourth quarter with a 47-46 advantage.

Teng took over in the fourth quarter and was relentless in attacking the basket which led to 12 attempts.

DLSU outrebounded UST 50-41 but only had eight assists to UST’s 11. The Growling Tigers also had four blocks to DLSU’s two and had 17 turnovers to the Green Archer’s 18.

Up next for DLSU is a matchup against the UE Red Warriors, whom they will face on Wednesday, September 10, at 2 pm in the Smart-Araneta Coliseum.

When asked about his team’s last two elimination round games, Sauler calmly said “We just have to make the most out of those opportunities given to us.”

The Scores:
DLSU 67 – Teng 26, van Opstal 11, Montalbo 8, Torres 7, Sargent 7, Perkins 4, Vosotros 4, Rivero 0, Tratter 0, Bolick 0
UST 60 – Daquioag 19, Lao 14, Abdul 13, Mariano 6, Lo 5, Gayosa 3, Sheriff 0, Subido 0, Basibas 0, Pe 0, Macasaet 0
Quarter scores: 16-17, 30-34, 46-47, 67-60