The DLSU Lady Archers stretched their winning run to four games with a tight victory over the UP Lady Maroons, 71-64, last September 8. With their fourth consecutive win, head coach Ty Bautista’s squad will again be competing in the Final Four round as they seek to win the championship for the first time in over a decade.
MVP candidate Ara Abaca, who averages a double-double this season, led DLSU anew with 18 points and 10 rebounds to go along with three steals and two blocks to complete another all-around performance. Nicole Garcia added 11 points of her own to back up Abaca while Camile Claro chipped in with nine as 10 Lady Archers scored during the game.
Bea Daez led UP with 15 points, five assists and three rebounds while Antonina Wong had a double-double of 13 points and 12 rebounds, but it was not enough for UP as their 24 turnovers led to their defeat.
It was a close match-up all throughout, despite only two deadlocks and a single lead change. DLSU never established a comfortable lead as they were matched basket-for-basket by the hardworking UP squad. The Diliman-based cagebelles always had an answer for every Lasallian basket as they kept within striking distance all game long. DLSU kept its composure though as they controlled the game with their steady bench play and they also converted 17 of their 28 free throws.
La Salle scored 13 points off UP’s turnovers and they managed to take care of the ball as well, committing just 15 throughout the game. The Lady Archers were outrebounded though, 44-42, and outshot from the field, 38.2 percent to 35.3, but their pesky team defense made up for it with eight steals and two blocked shots.
The Lady Archers are now assured of a Final Four spot with the win, but the remaining games of the team will be crucial they play for positioning in the Final Four as they seek to finish with a twice-to-beat advantage.
The Lady Archers next assignment will be against the tough AdU Lady Falcons on Wednesday, September 13, at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Box score:
DLSU 71: Abaca-18, Garcia-11, Claro-9, Vergara-8, Piatos-6, Scott-5, Melendres-4, Corcuera-4, Ong M.-3, Ong A.-3, Revillosa-0, Santos-0, Oyao-0
UP 64: Daez-15, Wong-13, Luna-12, Tatel-8, Topacio-7, Isip-3, Salapong-2, Furugganan-2, Aliermo-2, Pioquinto-0
Quarter scores: 19-16, 35-29, 53-45, 71-64
