UAAP: Streaking Green Archers test rhythm against Ateneo

The DLSU Green Archers are set for a rematch with their arch rivals, the ADMU Blue Eagles, this Sunday, August 16, at 4 pm in the Smart-Araneta Coliseum.

The Green-and-White who are currently on a five-game winning streak will ride their momentum to try to topple league-leading ADMU from the top spot. The Green Archers currently sit at a triple-tie in second place with FEU and NU. The three teams have identical records of five wins and two losses.

Head coach Juno Sauler’s squad have the rhythm on their side, but will be put to a bigger obstacle as a slew of injuries have hit the team. At the end of their last game against UST, the Green Archers were down to just nine men as key players Kib Montalbo and Norbert Torres sustained injuries during the game. The duo were added to the list of sidelined Green Archers, Arnold Van Opstal, Thomas Torres and Terence Mustre.

First round setback

In the first round, the Taft-based squad fell to their Katipunan counterparts in a high-scoring game, 97-86.

La Salle and Ateneo wrestled the lead back and forth for three quarters until Kiefer Ravena and Von Pessumal waxed hot from three point range as they pulled away in the fourth canto. Both Blue Eagles torched the La Salle defense as Ravena and Pessumal had 29 and 21 points respectively.

Meanwhile, the Green Archers were led by their starters as Jason Perkins registered a double-double of 25 points and 10 rebounds. Almond Vosotros and Jeron Teng added another 18 and 15 points to support La Salle’s charge.

Different team

Perkins, Teng and Vosotros will again lead the way against the Blue Eagles, but unlike their first meeting, the starters will have more help coming from their bench.

The Green Archers’ second unit have improved their play as rookies Julian Sargent, Prince Rivero and Abu Tratter are making the most out of the opportunities given to them. Along with defensive specialists, Robert Bollick and Yutien Andrada, the bench will play a crucial role in slowing down ADMU’s fast-paced offense.

Key players Torres, Montalbo and Van Opstal remain questionable for Sunday’s game. Coach Juno Sauler will rely on their second stringers to continue to show progress and fill in the void left by their injured teammates.

The Green Archers look to spill their hot streak into the second round and wait for the pieces to fall right back into place. Notably, last year’s Green Archers squad surprised everyone by going unbeaten in the second round of UAAP Season 76.