The DLSU Lady Archers bounced back from their loss to FEU after overcoming a gritty UE squad, 70-64, earlier today at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Khate Castillo and Camille Claro turned in solid performances for DLSU, with the former scoring a game-high 18 points, while the latter added 17 points, six rebounds, and five assists. Love Sto. Domingo led UE with 18 points, 14 rebounds, and three blocks, while Bienca Ramos added a double-double of 10 points and 12 rebounds.
Tight first half
DLSU got the lead early in the game off Castillo’s three three-pointers in the first half. However, turnovers proved to be crucial as the Lady Archers could not build a sizable cushion due to careless mistakes.
The Lady Warriors were able to stay in the game thanks to their stingy defense and the efforts of their starting lineup. Sto. Domingo’s crucial block in the final minutes of the first half and Chan’s key plays frustrated La Salle and prevented them from pulling away.
DLSU’s late game push
Both teams continued to grind it out in the second half as they took turns in taking the lead. Claro helped break down the defense with inside passes to Arciga and Peñaranda, who overcame their size disadvantages with the taller UE players through tenacious rebounding.
Shots by Ruthlaine Tacula and Sto. Domingo late in the second half continued to keep the Lady Warriors in the game. DLSU barely won the fourth quarter, 21-20, having to rely on Marga Dagdagan and Castillo down the stretch. In the end, free throws from Castillo and Claro sealed the game in favor of La Salle.
UE dominated the rebounding department, as they grabbed 50 rebounds to La Salle’s 34. The Lady Archers were better in terms of sharing the ball, however, as they had more assists than the Lady Warriors, 15-9.
The Lady Archers will look to extend their win streak when they take on the UP Lady Maroons on Saturday, November 12, at 10 am in the Mall of Asia Arena.
