UAAP: Green Archers look to extend win streak to four against UP

With two games left in the first round of UAAP Season 77, the DLSU Green Archers have the opportunity to solidify their chances of locking in a Final Four spot heading into the second round. Three straight wins have put them about the .500 mark and currently leave them in a tie with the FEU Tamaraws at 3-2.

Meanwhile, the UP Fighting Maroons remains tied with AdU Soaring Falcons at the bottom of the standings yet this season has seen the potential of the team, one hounded by the inconsistent crunch time execution that has let their past opponents slip by them.

A one-sided affair

The Green Archers last lost to UP back in 2009, a year wherein the Fighting Maroons also defeated that season’s eventual champion Ateneo. Winning hasn’t come easy for them as their last victory dates back to August 19, 2012 against UE. The Green Archers on the other hand, are currently on a three game winning streak after two losses against Ateneo and FEU.

The last time these two teams met was in the second round of the elimination round last season. The Green Archers came away with a hard fought win against the Diliman-based cagers. La Salle struggled in the first half with their free throw shooting as UP was scoring baskets from all over the court. The Green-and-White eventually prevailed as they started a run using their full-court defense, and with the help of then-rookie Jason Perkins who led the team with 19 points. The game ended with La Salle having a comfortable advantage, 85-63.

Same story, new faces

Season 77 has seen a Green Archers squad slowly gaining its traction despite the slew of injuries hounding the team as of late. Norbert Torres and Arnold van Opstal sat out against Adamson, and the Lasallian community continues to wait for the return of Thomas Torres. Their injuries weren’t felt in that game as Kib Montalbo, filling in for the injured Torres, poured in a career-high 18 points, five rebounds, and four assists to lead DLSU to a 67-48 victory. Prince Rivero also had a solid game, posting 12 points and six rebounds while Almond Vosotros and Julian Sargent had eight points each.

Despite the influx of new players and some improvements in their play and ball movement, UP still continues to search for that first win. Five games into the season, the Fighting Maroons have struggled with closing their games, as their most recent loss against UST had them scoring only seven points in the fourth quarter. Dave Moralde led UP with 15 points and five rebounds, while Henry Asilum and JR Gallarza had 10 points apiece, yet their efforts weren’t enough to give their team the win.

Perkins, who had two points in the win against Adamson, will look to bounce back against UP, as he has had 20 and 19 points in both UP games last season. Despite his struggles, he continues to rebound the ball well, leading the team with 8.6 rebounds per game. Look for Jeron Teng to continue to bring his all-around game as he currently averages 11.6 points, 6.8 rebounds, and four assists. Almond Vosotros, who has struggled with his shots as of late, will continue to try to find his rhythm as he leads the team in scoring with 12 points a game.

UP on the other hand, will rely on Moralde and reigning Rookie of the Year Kyles Lao, who are averaging 12 and 11.6 points per game. UP currently stands at third in turnover points per game with 13.4 so look for them to try to capitalize on this, as DLSU already had 36 turnovers against UE. A win would be huge for both teams, with the Green Archers moving one step closer to the Final Four while a victory for the Maroons would give them their first under head coach Rey Madrid.