Green Archers battle UE, aim for second win

The only remaining undefeated team in the league meets the defending champions as the UE Red Warriors take on the DLSU Green Archers in their upcoming game to be held on Sunday, July 28. In this matchup, UAAP fans and spectators can see a clash of two teams of a different status so far this season.

The undefeated Red Warriors are seeking to extend their winning streak to three, while the Green Archers are looking for just their second win this season after losing their first two contests. Both teams are hoping to keep their momentum going, as a win for any of these two teams would be a big boost to their morale and more importantly, their place in the standings.

Recalling the past

During their first round encounter in UAAP 76, UE survived a tight match against DLSU, winning by just two points, 85-83. Roi Sumang was the main man for the Red Warriors during that game as he garnered 21 points, seven rebounds, six assists and one steal. Meanwhile, it was Almond Vosotros who stood out for the Green Archers with 26 points, three rebounds, one assist and two steals int he loss.

Both teams were almost even from the three point line in that game with a 31.6 percent clip for UE and a 34.8 percent success rate for DLSU but the Green Archers had a better performance in the two-point field goal shooting category with a 51.9 percent shooting rate compared to the Red Warriors’ 44.2 percent. However, free throws were very crucial for La Salle as they only scored three out of 11 attempts from the line while UE made 21 out of 24 free throws.

However, the second round told a different story as Jason Perkins tallied 22 points and nine rebounds to lift DLSU over UE in overtime, 75-65. The Green Archers almost lost that game but Perkins hit a late off-balanced jumper in regulation to give the team a one point lead. In the ensuing possession, Sumang was fouled and split two free throws to force the extra period. La Salle then ran away with the victory, scoring 19 points as compared to just nine for the Red Warriors in the extra period behind the strong play of Perkins and Vosotros.

Bracing for the present

Jeron Teng, Jason Perkins and Almond Vosotros will be tasked to lead the Green Archers once more and their burden has become much heavier after losing starting point guard Thomas Torres who may be out for at least six weeks due to a fracture in his foot. With his sudden injury, Kib Montalbo, who played significant minutes during their first win against the NU Bulldogs, is expected to continuously step up for Torres.

Teng is at his best when taking inside shots and short jumpers and he contributes fair numbers in the categories of rebounds and assists as well. He played an all-around game with nine points, six rebounds and five assists against NU. Perkins can shoot from the inside and outside and can play tough defense while Vosotros can be relied on with his consistent contributions from the perimeter.

The Green Archers will also rely on big man Norbert Torres who replaced starting center Arnold van Opstal in their previous game against NU. Torres contributed 13 points and eight rebounds for La Salle behind Perkins’ 14 points and seven rebounds, including a crucial shot underneath the basket that sealed La Salle’s first win of the season.

The Fighting Spirit

What is worse than having to put up with a team who has one of the most dominant centers in the league? Having to deal with another big man who is just as skilled. Coming into this season, the Red Warriors showed a lot of promise with the new addition to their roster.

Joining the cast of the veteran point guard Sumang and big man Charles Mammie is a 6’7 center from Cameroon named Moustapha Arafat. With his presence, the Red Warriors now have another option in the low post and he has been a key factor in their first two games.

In addition to this, several returning players have been producing as usual for the Red Warriors and they seem like they have become legitimate contenders in the league. Veteran power forward Chris Javier is back to provide the Red Warriors with a solid interior presence as well as a lot of rebounds. Providing the team with perimeter shots and midrange jumpers are Sumang, guard Gino Jumao-as, and small forward Mark Olayon. These four players comprise the team’s first five along with either Mammie or Arafat as center.

It’s a clash of the two UAAP teams with twin towers. Will it be 3-0 for the UE Red Warriors? Or will it be 2-2 for the DLSU Green Archers? The two teams battle it out on Sunday, July 27, at 4 pm in the Mall of Asia Arena.