Three seasons after winning it all in 2013, the DLSU Green Archers have once again climbed the mountain after defeating the ADMU Blue Eagles, 79-72, earlier today at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. In a hard fought victory over its rivals, each player who stepped on the floor for the team contributed to this championship-clinching victory. After finishing off the season on top, the Green-and-White have earned the right to call themselves champions.
“I challenged these guys and they responded,” Ayo said, mentioning how their game versus the AdU Soaring Falcons was the worst of the season and perhaps the turning point of the season as well.
In his last game in the Green-and-White, Jeron Teng was spectacular from the get-go, scoring 28 points on 12 of 20 shooting. The veteran was the engine that kept La Salle humming, as his continuous hustle for loose balls was the benchmark his teammates aimed to follow. Most Valuable Player Ben Mbala was equally outstanding, scoring 18 points, grabbing 10 rebounds, and blocking two shots.
For ADMU, Mike Nieto played with determination to keep their season alive. His 18 points, along with 10 points each from Adrian Wong and Raffy Verano, were what led the Blue Eagles in Game 2.
First half
ADMU had a better start compared to their first quarter showing in Game 1 while DLSU rode off their momentum from the previous game. Teng came into the game with a mission, scoring La Salle’s first five field goals of the game. The eagerness from both teams was apparent, showing no signs of letting go in terms of physicality. This only intensified the game in the early stages. Although the Blue Eagles managed to tie the game on a few instances, La Salle was able to stay at a safe distance, finishing the first quarter with a 22-16 lead.
The Green Archer offense improved throughout the game as a result from their all-around defense. Teng continued to stay hungry as he dictated the tempo of the La Salle offense while recording 19 points in the first half alone. The Blue Eagles, meanwhile, had their fair share of scoring to try to keep their opponents at bay. DLSU, however, took advantage of ADMU turning the ball over and would eventually end the half leading by double-digits, 45-35.
Seesaw second half
Bodies continued to fly as the physical play between the two teams ensued as the third quarter began. In the middle of it all were Mbala and Mi. Nieto who at one point fell on each other chasing after a loose ball. Both the Green Archers and Blue Eagles entered the period with renewed confidence on the offensive end, which led to both teams trading baskets. This trend continued until ADMU broke through with a 6-0 run at the midway point of the period.
Andrei Caracut hit a three-pointer at the 1:51 mark to extend the Green Archer lead to 12. Eventually, the Blue-and-White converted back-to-back baskets to enter the fourth quarter with a nine-point deficit, 59-50.
The Green Archers came into the final quarter immediately looking to seal the game as they went on a 6-0 scoring run. ADMU, however, would not go away as it went on a 7-0 run of its own, capped off by a midrange jumpshot from Wong. Though an acrobatic layup by Melecio ignited the La Salle crowd, the Blue Eagles would continue to crawl their way back, getting within four points, 69-65, as Mi. Nieto hit a three-pointer.
Momentum, however, would begin to swing DLSU’s way after a thunderous putback dunk by Mbala. After Go was called for an unsportsmanlike foul for kicking Teng while going for a loose ball, the result of the game seemed all but finished. Leading by eight with 3:00 to go, all La Salle had to do was hold on. While the Blue Eagles never stopped fighting, free throws from Mbala and Teng continued to keep the Green-and-White in front.
With all four seniors, Thomas Torres, Julian Sargent, Jason Perkins, and Teng, on the floor, along with Mbala, the clock finally turned zero on a La Salle win and a championship.
“To everyone who supported us all throughout the season, thank you so much! Sa La Salle community, para sa iyo itong lahat!” said Torres.
Both teams played pretty evenly across all categories, aside from the fact that DLSU shot the ball much better than its counterparts. Its 46 percent shooting from the field was 13 points higher than ADMU’s. The Blue Eagles showed grit, out rebounding the Green Archers, 49-38, and matching their 36-point output for points in the paint. La Salle capitalized on ADMU’s errors, with the prior scoring 12 points off turnovers compared to four from the latter.
After last year’s disappointment that saw the Green Archers finish outside the Final Four, it was redemption for a team that came into this season with the highest of expectations. While a championship is validation enough, this win does mean more to some. For Teng, this victory allowed him to leave a legacy which will be etched in the hearts of the Lasallian Community.
“There’s nothing sweeter than this. I’m giving this back to La Salle for everything the school has done for me,” said Teng.
After a special season that saw the team finish 13-1, it was only fitting that DLSU won it all. For that, the entire team of DLSU Green Archers will be remembered as the UAAP Season 79 Men’s Basketball Champions.
However, the team will stay ready to defend their chapionship come Season 80. “Of course we’re going for the repeat… We’re going to do whatever it takes to stay on top,” said Mbala.
The scores:
DLSU 79– Teng 28, Mbala 18, Montalbo 9, Melecio 7, Caracut 5, Perkins 4, Torres 3, Tratter 2, P. Rivero 2, Sargent 1
ADMU 72– Mi. Nieto 18, Wong 10, Verano 10, Asistio 9, Go 8, Ikeh 6, Ma. Nieto 4, Ravena 3, Black 2, Tolentino 2, Porter 0, Babilonia 0
Quarter scores: 22-16, 45-35, 59-52, 79-72
