Green, Lady Archers face crucial match-ups versus NU

Currently at 3-0 and 2-0 win-loss records, respectively, the Green and Lady Archers will look to continue their undefeated starts as they both face National University on Sunday, September 18, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. The Lady Archers’ game will tip off at 8 am, while the men will have to wait until 2 pm for their game against the Bulldogs.

Unfinished business

In what is the most anticipated match-up of the season, the Lady Archers are determined to defeat the defending champions, the NU Lady Bulldogs, after struggling against them in Season 78. The latter was able to clinch an undefeated season standing with a 14-0 record, handing the former their only two losses of their 12-2 elimination record. Currently, the Lady Bulldogs are unbeaten over 35 games.

With the stifling defense NU imposes on its opponents, DLSU will depend on good ball movement and shooting around the perimeter. It is up to the likes of Camille Claro and Chay Vergara, who has been shooting the lights out in three-point territory since the team’s opening game, to lead the way in terms of point production. La Salle has not been short of producing potent offense, leading the league in terms of win margin with an average of 21.5 points.

The Lady Archers’ substantial win margin against its opponents has been largely from their full-court and half-court defense, anchored by center Snow Penaranda, who also leads the team in rebounding. Their focal point will be containing, or better yet, stopping, reigning MVP Afril Bernardino.

A point of improvement which Coach Cholo Villanueva has emphasized for his team is the number of turnovers the team has committed in their starting games. “30 turnovers against UP is unacceptable. We need to take care of the ball and have better decision making so hopefully we can lower that number to 15-17,” he explains.

Green Archers look to sustain momentum

Though the Green Archers are considered by many as the favorites this season, the Bulldogs are thought to be a strong choice to make it to this year’s Final Four. With Eric Altamirano still at the helm, the team is led by the same coach who was a part of NU’s championship run just two years ago. La Salle will have to play to the level it displayed in its manhandling of UST to secure the victory against NU.

La Salle will look to dictate the game with Coach Aldin Ayo’s full court defense. NU, anchored by Alred Aroga, has held its opponents to an average of only 63 points over two games. DLSU will need an offensive attack led by Ben Mbala and Jeron Teng to get past the stingy Bulldog defense. Also, the Green Archer backcourt will need to contain NU’s combination of Rev Diputado and Jay Alejandro, vital cogs of the Bulldog offensive attack. Furthermore, NU Bulldog Matt Salem will be playing against his former alma mater, after leaving the Green-and-White squad at the end of Season 77.

While Mbala has been virtually unstoppable, the Cameroonian will be facing his toughest competition yet in NU’s Aroga. Mbala has fared well against other imports such as Prince Orizu and William Afoakwah, but Aroga will be a stiffer challenge, because of his ability on both offense and defense.