UAAP: Green Archers square off against UST

With only a few games left before the Final Four, the DLSU Green Archers are in contention for the crucial twice-to-beat advantage as they sport an 8-3 record heading into their matchup against the UST Growling Tigers. On the other hand, the Growling Tigers have earlier been eliminated from the Final Four contention as their 5-6 record puts them two games behind current fourth placer NU.

DLSU ran away with the victory in their first round encounter, an 83-70 win that saw the Green Archers pull away after a 35-35 tie at the half. Jeron Teng finished with 22 points, six rebounds, and five assists, while Jason Perkins and Prince Rivero added 15 and 12 points respectively. The trio of Aljon Mariano, Louie Vigil, and Kevin Ferrer combined for 50 points; however, it wasn’t enough as La Salle outrebounded UST 43-35 and had 36 inside points compared to the Growling Tiger’s 30.

Struggles from both teams

Despite coming away with a 66-57 victory over a gritty Adamson squad, the Green Archers struggled throughout the game even with a 23-8 lead after the first quarter. Perkins led DLSU with 16 points and 16 rebounds while Teng continued his all-around play this season, finishing with 15 points, eight rebounds, and six assists.

The game was close in the first half but Don Trollano’s 26 points and 11 rebounds couldn’t close the gap in the second half, as DLSU maintained its lead on the way to victory.

UST on the other hand, failed to overtake UE in the standings after their 68-59 loss to Ateneo. Karim Abdul finished with 17 points and 13 rebounds but it wasn’t enough as Kiefer Ravena finished with 23 points and 13 rebounds. Vigil and Mariano added 14 and 12 points respectively but UST failed to close the gap late in the game.

Keys to the game

DLSU will rely on Teng and Perkins, as both have consistently been leading the Green Archers on both ends of the floor. Almond Vosotros, who had 12 points in their win against Adamson, will look to be a factor on the offensive end as well. The Green Archers are the UAAP’s top rebounding team, hauling in 47.5 rebounds per game compared to UST’s 40.5, which places them at sixth overall. La Salle should also continue to make the most out of their second chance points, with their 10.8 average good for tops in the league as well. However, DLSU would have to be careful with the ball as the Growling Tigers lead the league in steals per game with 5.7.

With Ferrer still out, UST will bank on its frontcourt of Abdul, Mariano, and Vigil, all of whom are the three leading scorers on the team. Abdul and Vigil will be the threats in the paint, since both are shooting within the 50 percent clip from inside the three point line.

Defense will also be the key for the Growling Tigers as they are second in the UAAP in points allowed with 64.5, two spots ahead of DLSU. Aside from forcing steals, UST would have to limit the Green Archers’ shots in the paint, a task that will definitely be shouldered by Abdul, Mariano, and Vigil.