After seven games at the end of the first round, the DLSU Green Archers found themselves in hot water, winning just three games and dropping four in disheartening fashion. The critics were harsh and negative comments were a dime a dozen. They criticized Jeron Teng’s free throws, Almond Vosotros’ shot selection and even head coach Juno Sauler’s decisions. After seven games of play, it looked like the Green Archers were headed towards another dismal finish.
All it took to change that were four games and over a matter of three weeks, the gloom and doom all shifted to hope and optimism. The two week break between the first and and second round seemed to do wonders for the team as they slowly rattled off win after win.
A tough overtime victory against the AdU Soaring Falcons proved that the team could win close games down the stretch then the Green Archers followed it up with a convincing victory over the FEU Tamaraws, the team that swept the first round and rallied to beat the Green Archers in their first meeting. A poor first half against the UP Fighting Maroons was followed up by an unforgiving offensive and defensive onslaught that gave the team a 22 point win going into their grudge match against the ADMU Blue Eagles.
Both teams came into the game tied for third place and it was a close affair throughout the game, with no team leading by more than nine points. In the fourth quarter and when it mattered the most though, the Green Archers pulled off a stunning 9-0 run to take control of the game. With the game on the line, Jeron Teng came up with the winning shot before time expired that broke a 64-all tie and stole the victory for the Green Archers.
After just four games in the second round, the Green Archers have already managed to eclipse their win total from the first round and they still have three games left to play. They have managed to silence the doubters so far, yet they are still a long way from the Final Four.
The battle remains uphill for DLSU as they now move on to their next foe, the UE Red Warriors. In the first round, the Green Archers let a double digit lead slip away in the fourth quarter and lost by two, 85-83, against UE. Almond Vosotros came away with 26 points, but it was not enough to lift DLSU against the Red Warriors who were led by Roi Sumang’s 21 points and Charles Mammie’s 19 points and 16 rebounds.
Mammie will be unable to suit up though due to a suspension for unsportsmanlike behavior together with gunner Ralf Olivares, but the Red Warriors remain deadly thanks to the spunky play of Sumang and the rest of the tenacious Red Warriors.
A win by the Green Archers will give them a share of second place, but UE will not hand it over to them on a silver platter as they seek to snap a two game losing and keep their Final Four hopes alive.
This promises to be another exhilarating and fast-paced match-up between the two teams and it will be an essential game for both as they try to secure their spot in the top four. On September 4, Wednesday, at 4 pm in the SMART-Araneta Coliseum, the Green Archers look for revenge while the Red Warriors try to keep their hopes alive. Only one team can take home the victory.
