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UAAP: Green Archers look to finish strong against lackluster FEU

The DLSU Green Archers will try to bounce back from a frustrating loss against their archrivals, the ADMU Blue Eagles, when they end the elimination round against the FEU Tamaraws.

La Salle will aim to finish the preliminary round with a 13-1 win-loss record versus a struggling FEU squad that suffered back-to-back losses in their previous games against ADMU and AdU. The Tamaraws will aim to strengthen their playoff berth and improve their standing to 9-4.

First round matchup

In their previous meeting last September 7, DLSU outlasted FEU, 83-78. Jeron Teng had a stellar performance as he finished with 28 points, while Ben Mbala’s game-high 23 rebounds paved the way for La Salle to clinch their first win in the tournament.

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The Tamaraws managed to attain a slim margin during the first quarter. However, La Salle found its offensive rhythm to close out the first half with the lead coming off Aljun Melecio’s 8-0 scoring run that complemented efforts from Teng and defensive stops from Mbala. The Green Archers ended the first half on a high note with an eight-point lead, 51-43. Nevertheless, it was in the second half that the Tamaraws closed the gap, but Teng and Mbala scored the last baskets to seal the win for the Green Archers.

DLSU may have committed 27 errors, but they dominated the game in terms of field goals, blocks, and rebounds. Preventing another loss, the Green Archers will need to dominate all aspects of the game, from shooting to rebounds, to improve on their current 12-1 win-loss standing.

Dominant teams face off

Kib Montalbo continues to display his defensive skill set, finishing the match against ADMU with nine steals. Meanwhile, Melecio, who scored 11 points in their last outing, maintains the role of being a backup point guard for DLSU head coach Aldin Ayo. Mbala, who averages 20.7 points per game, will need to improve on his last performance if the Green Archers wish to finish the eliminations with only a single loss.

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On the other hand, FEU head coach Nash Racela will depend on production from Raymar Jose and Monbert Arong to overcome a ravenous La Salle squad. Prince Orizu also needs to contain Mbala’s presence in the paint to prevent their losing streak from reaching three games.

However, the question of whether to sit out the Green Archers’ crucial players for rest remains in what looks to be a non-bearing game. La Salle has already earned a twice-to-beat advantage regardless of the outcome of tomorrow’s game, which commences at 4 pm in the Mall of Asia Arena.

Renzo Miguel Mercado

By Renzo Miguel Mercado

Danielle Erika Capule

By Danielle Erika Capule

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