Archers prevails against Tamaraws

The DLSU Green Archers routed the FEU Tamaraws, 69-66 last September 26 to grab the final spot in the Final Four. With the win, the squad has set a duel with the ADMU Blue Eagles this coming Saturday, September 29 at the Araneta Coliseum.

Rebounding feast

Norbert Torres and Arnold Van Opstal manned the frontline of the Green Archers for most of the games, helping La Salle achieve its total of 50 rebounds. The Morayta-based squad suffered in this aspect as it only managed 30 boards.

Torres alone grabbed 13 rebounds, eight of which came from the offensive side, while Van Opstal finished with eight of his own.  Vosotros and Thomas Torres also joined the rebound frenzy. Both combined for 13 rebounds.

Scoring from the stripe

La Salle had struggled with free throws this whole season, but the Archers did not suffer in this aspect in the game. Shooting 21 of 32 from the foul line, the Green Archers managed to edge the Tamaraws’ five of 13 performance.

Although the Taft-based squad missed a couple of free throws in the last minute of the game, the free throw points at the start of the game helped the team start and finish the late surge that won the game.

Comeback blues

The FEU Tamaraws lost against the NU Bulldogs last September 23 through a late run started by Emmanuel Mbe and concluded by a Bobby Parks’ three.

The Tamaraws continued to miss a win as the NU scenario repeated itself.

Down by 10 with less than six minutes left in the final quarter, La Salle looked for a spark to make a run, and luckily, N. Torres stepped up. The Bear started a comeback, which ignited the Green-and-White crowd and inspired his fellow players to finish the untimely run.

La Salle went on to make a 17-0 run, which Romeo broke with a three.

Nevertheless, the Green Archers dismissed the Tamaraws with a 19-6 run to finally secure a spot in the semifinal round.

Despite all odds

Although the Green-and-White squad dominated the end game, the squad was not able to dominate the whole game.

The Tamaraws forced the Green Archers to commit 23 turnovers, 11 more than the Archers managed to deal back. Moreover, the Tamaraws also managed to dominate the defensive statistics, blocking three more shots and snatching four more possessions from La Salle. The assists total also favored the Morayta-based squad as the team shared the ball six times more than La Salle.

Not yet over for the Archers

After the Archers’ win, veterans Jovet Mendoza and Joshua Webb have effectively extended their playing time as Archers. Both are in their final year as Archers.

“I didn’t want it to be Josh [Webb] and Jovet [Mendoza]’s last game,” said N. Torres.

More photos at https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10151109367089760.452581.149678604759&type=1