The DLSU Green Archers notched their sixth win in the tournament at the expense of the FEU Tamaraws, 65-57. The Archers retain their spot in solo third with this win, while the Tamaraws suffer their fourth straight loss in the second round of eliminations.
Justine Baltazar spearheaded the team with 15 points and six rebounds, while Santi Santillan followed with a double-double, 12 points, and 14 rebounds. On the other hand, the Tamaraws were led by Arvin Tolentino with 20 points as he played his first game since his suspension.
Although it was Baltazar and Santillan who led the team in scoring, it was Brandon Bates who was the player of the game with seven points, 10 rebounds, and two blocks. When asked how he kept himself ready for his opportunity, Bates responded saying, “I just enjoy it, I just go in every game with the same mindset but really it’s what I’ve read about professional players. They’re not always gonna start, they’re always gonna be ready to play when their coach asks for them, that’s really it.”
Back and forth first half
The first half was a tight affair for both squads, which was highlighted by four lead changes and a single deadlock. Both of the team’s biggest leads were just at four points, both failing to pull away as their runs were immediately countered with baskets from the opposition.
Santillan started off the game with back-to-back baskets for the Archers. Despite this, Wendell Comboy and Tolentino immediately countered with a three-pointer and a layup, respectively. All throughout the first quarter, both teams traded baskets with La Salle having the majority of their points inside, while FEU, outside. The quarter ended in favor of the Green Archers, 14-13.
The second quarter started with both teams, yet again, trading baskets. A three-pointer from Encho Serrano and RJ Ramirez started things off for both teams. Meanwhile, Alec Stockton and Mark Dyke contributed layups of their own to make the score 19-18 at the 8:33 mark of the second quarter. Baltazar had eight points in the second quarter for the Archers, including a three-pointer to tie the game with only 27 seconds remaining. Baltazar finished the first half with 10 points. For the Tamaraws, it was Tolentino who had the biggest contribution as he also had 10 points. As said, both teams ended the first half tied at 34-all.
A half for the big men
At the start of the third, it was FEU who started strongly. After Santillan split his free throws, the Tamaraws went on an 11-0 run to give them a 10-point lead. After head coach Louie Gonzales called a timeout in the 5:59 mark of the third, the Archers went on a 10-0 run led by Bates and Santillan. Bates had a big quarter for La Salle as he tallied five of his seven points and also a block in the third period. Montalbo capped off the quarter with a floater to give the Archers the lead, 48-47.
The Taft-based squad carried their momentum from the previous quarter as they outscored the Tamaraws, 17-10 in the final frame. Despite this, Tolentino started the quarter with a floater, which was immediately countered with a coast-to-coast basket from Serrano. At the 5:09 mark of the fourth, it was Bates, yet again, who kickstarted a run for the Archers with a block then a layup. Moreover, the Archers unleashed an 8-0 run to give them their biggest lead of the game at 62-53. After the Tamaraws pulled a late scare, it was Santillan who iced the game for the Archers with a putback and a split from the free throw line. The Archers pulled away and notched a 65-57 win over the Tamaraws.
After the game, coach Gonzales credited his captain, Kib Montalbo, for the constant leadership presence he gives the team. “I credit this game to my coaching staff and my seniors, especially Montalbo. Throughout the game, Kib was trying to put everybody in the same page, yung leadership niya especially when they made that 10-0 run. Yung leadership ni Kib dun. I’m giving him this game for guiding his teammates,” the head coach said.
The team from Taft will look to further improve their win-loss standing with a matchup against the UST Growling Tigers on November 3, at 2 pm, at the Ynares Center, Antipolo.
