After an impressive UAAP Season 85 debut against the UP Fighting Maroons, the DLSU Lady Archers dropped their second game in the tournament against the UST Growling Tigresses, 71-57, earlier today, October 5, at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion.
Eka Soriano posted a team-high 28 points, together with six rebounds and seven assists, in the win for the Growling Tigresses. Nikki Villasin also chipped in with 13 points to aid the España-based squad.
Meanwhile, Fina Niantcho tallied a double-double with 12 points and 19 boards, to go with Charmine Torres’ 12 markers and eight rebounds for the Lady Archers.
Dismal start
Coming off a roaring season opener, the Lady Archers started out flat on both ends. Soriano spearheaded the Tigresses to an 8-0 start that forced DLSU head coach Cholo Villanueva to call an early timeout with 6:46 left in the opening quarter. The Taft-based squad managed to regroup with a couple of baskets scored by Arciaga and Niantcho in the paint—bringing the lead down to four, 10-6. UST started to execute their offensive sets as DLSU was unable to halt the run The team from España closed out the first frame with a 12-point lead, 23-11.
In the opening minutes of the second quarter, the Growling Tigresses’ full court pressure continued to work wonders for them as it allowed for easy transition baskets as their lead ballooned to 19, 30-11. At the 7:20 mark, DLSU once again called an early timeout in an attempt to stifle the momentum of UST. Even with the timeout, The Green and White couldn’t stop the scoring barrage of the Growling Tigresses, who continued to shoot the lights out from beyond the arc. With the run, La Salle’s deficit expanded to 22—the biggest of the first half. The quarter ended with UST up by 13, 40-27.
Frustrating finish
As the second half began, the DLSU Lady Archers were dampened by a technical foul for delay of game. However, DLSU head coach Cholo Villanueva’s halftime pep talk worked wonders for his side, as they clawed their way back in the third frame, outscoring UST, 13-3, to make it a one-possession game, 43-40. Succeedingly, the team from Taft’s zone defense forced turnovers which translated into easy points. UST’s Soriano resisted the pressure as she converted back-to-back lay ups and brought the lead back up to seven, forcing DLSU to call another timeout with the score at 47-40. Despite faltering as the quarter progressed, the Green and White kept the game in striking distance coming into the fourth quarter, 52-43.
UST continued to execute their game plan to perfection, utilizing intense pressure on La Salle’s ball handlers to limit the Green and White from forming a consistent rhythm offensively. Apart from suffocating defense, UST’s hot three-point shooting kept DLSU from making one last attempt within the final minutes of the game. The team from España stayed in control throughout the final quarter and closed the game out with a sure 71-57 win.
The DLSU Lady Archers look to continue to regain their place in the UAAP Season 85 standing against their rivals, the Ateneo Blue Eagles, on Saturday, October 8, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The Scores:
UST 71 – Soriano 28, Villasin 13, Bron 8, Santos 6, Tacatac 5, Pangilinan 4, Ambos 3, Villapando 2, Dionisio 2
DLSU 57 – Torres 12, Niantcho 12, Arciga 11, Sario 10, Ahmed 6, Jimenez 2, De La Paz 2, Binaohan 2, San Juan 0, Dalisay 0, Espinas 0
Quarter Scores: 23-11, 40-27, 52-43, 71-57
