Earlier today at the FilOil Flying V Centre, the DLSU Green Archers lost to the Jose Rizal University (JRU) Heavy Bombers, 85-81. With La Salle’s loss, the Green-and-White was unable to open their FilOil Flying V Preseason Cup campaign on a high note.
Ben Mbala was dominant on both ends of the court, recording 22 points and 16 rebounds, yet it was not enough to propel the Green Archers to a win. Teytey Teodoro led the Heavy Bombers with 17 points, while Jed Mendoza and Darius Estrella also added 15 and 11 points, respectively. In the losing effort of the Green Archers, Aljun Melecio and Ricci Rivero finished with 17 and 13 points, respectively.
First half
The first period saw the Heavy Bombers take an early lead, as the Green Archers were unable to follow through and trailed, 6-1. After DLSU made two free throws, JRU proceeded to extend the lead by converting layups and three-pointers off well executed plays. With 5:28 remaining in the first quarter, Mbala managed to convert the first field goal of the team. Consequently, Prince Rivero, Kib Montalbo, and Abu Tratter added points through consecutive successful free throws. At the end of the first quarter, DLSU trailed JRU, 21-17, behind 13 out of 16 free throws and only two converted field goals.
As Abdul Sawat opened the second quarter in favor of JRU, DLSU then followed up with its first two points of the set with a putback layup from Gabe Capacio. Afterwards, a close match ensued all throughout the period as the Green Archers continued to trail the Heavy Bombers. Nearing the end of the second period, R. Rivero capped off a 6-0 scoring run with a layup from a baseball pass. JRU was unable to follow through as both teams were level at 42-all at halftime.
Second half
Both teams looked to outrun each other and capitalize on their opportunities. Trading baskets on both ends, Mbala paced the Green-and-White during the opening moments of the half with six straight points, highlighted by a transition dunk in the 6:53 mark of the third quarter. After a Melecio three-point shot forced JRU to call a timeout, the Green Archers would go on a 10-2 run to take a narrow 63-62 lead by the end of the third period.
But JRU would ultimately come up on top with a gritty fourth quarter performance on both ends of the court. Even as starting center Razak Abdulwahab fouled out with 9:16 remaining in the game, the Heavy Bombers seemed unfazed. After Mbala converted two free throws, JRU went on an 8-0 run to take a 70-65 lead instigated by Teodoro.
Things started to unravel for La Salle from then on. JRU took a commanding 81-72 lead midway through the fourth off a key three-point shot by Darius Estrella. With the game slowly slipping away, the Green Archers willed their way back behind Melecio and R. Rivero to cut the lead to two points, 83-81. But the rally proved to be too late, as DLSU failed to convert in the waning seconds. A crucial free throw by MJ Dela Virgen salvaged the win for JRU, successively sending La Salle to their first defeat.
After the game, head coach Aldin Ayo was not worried about the loss, considering that it is still too early into the preseason to panic. Instead, he commented on the decision making and poor execution of the team, which could be addressed as the team progresses. “That was our game, the tempo was ours. The thing is [the] decision making, there were situations wherein the small man could have passed the ball, but they took those bad shots.”
Likewise, Ayo will continue to make adjustments as he is aware that opposing teams have figured out their style of play. He mentioned, “We always bring new things to the table. We cannot dwell on [what we accomplished] last season. We have to come up with new things, we just have to execute them.”
The Green Archers will look to bounce back versus the UPHSD (University of Perpetual Help System DALTA) Altas on May 7 at 5 pm in the same venue.
The scores:
JRU 85 – Teodoro 17, Mendoza 15, Estrella 11, Dela Virgen 10, Grospe 8, Lasquety 7, Abdulwahab 6, Poutouochi 4, Sawat 4, Borbon 3, Mate 0
DLSU 81 – Mbala 22, Melecio 17, R. Rivero 13, Tratter 9, P. Rivero 7, Montalbo 5, Caracut 2, Capacio 2, Santillan 2, Go 2, Gonzales 0
