Yesterday at the FilOil Flying V Centre, the DLSU Green Archers were edged by the San Beda College Red Lions, 82-80. With La Salle’s loss, the Green-and-White falls to a 3-2 win-loss standing. Former Green Archer Robert Bolick was dominant on both ends of the court and recorded 27 points, nine rebounds, and six assists. Davon Potts, Javee Mocon, and Benedict Adamos contributed to the Red Lions’ win, all recording 11 points each.
On the other hand, Ben Mbala led the Green Archers with 20 points and eight rebounds. Aljun Melecio and Ricci Rivero chipped in 19 and 15 points, respectively, in the losing effort of La Salle.
First half
As Potts opened the first quarter in favor of San Beda, Santi Santillan scored a three-point play for La Salle. The Red Lions got their offense flowing early on with their perimeter shooting. As the two teams continued trading baskets on both ends, Potts paced San Beda with consecutive midrange jumpers, while for the Green-and-White, Rivero immediately converted back-to-back layups. The first quarter ended with the Red Lions holding on to a four-point lead, 22-18.
Both teams struggled to convert in the early stages of the second period with Soberano scoring at the 8:30 mark. A close match ensued all throughout the quarter as the Green Archers continued to trail the Red Lions. However, Santillan led a 10-2 scoring run for La Salle with a floater, as R. Rivero eventually tied the game at 31-all off a layup on the fastbreak. Mocon would answer back with his own layup and secured a two-point lead for San Beda. R. Rivero capped off the first half of the game with successful free throws to tie the game at 33-all.
Second half
The third quarter saw La Salle struggle offensively and fail to convert from the perimeter as a result of San Beda’s overwhelming defense. The team from Taft struggled to contain Bolick as he continuously broke down the Lasallians’ offense. San Beda continued punishing DLSU, having two scoring runs during the third quarter, but DLSU trimmed its deficit to five points at the end of the period, 53-48.
The fourth quarter saw the Green Archers trim their deficit to two points at the closing stages of the game, 82-80, lead by Mbala’s post presence. Melecio had the opportunity to steal the victory for La Salle in the final moments of the game, only for his three-pointer to rattle out of the rim. Mbala and Rivero were also unable to score off last ditch opportunities to force overtime.
DLSU will resume its FilOil Flying V Preseason Premier Cup campaign versus the UE Red Warriors on June 4, Sunday, at 5 pm in the same venue.
The scores:
DLSU 80 – Mbala 20, Melecio 19, R. Rivero 15, Baltazar 9, Santillan 7, Caracut 6, Go 3, Tratter 1, Gonzales 0, Capacio 0
SBC 82 – Bolick 27, Potts 11, Mocon 11, Adamos 11, Soberano 8, Noah 4, Eugene 4, Presbitero 2, Tongco 2, Bahio 2, Carino 0, Doliguez 0, Oftana 0, Abuda 0
Quarter scores: 18-22, 33-33, 48-53, 80-82
