The undefeated DLSU Green Archers booked their ticket to the 16th FilOil EcoOil Preseason Cup Semifinals after dominating the CSJL Knights, 101-79, in the quarterfinals earlier today, June 16, at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.
Kevin Quiambao led the way to the win with 23 points on 50 percent shooting. The UAAP Season 85 Rookie of the Year was supported by Mark Nonoy’s 18 points and Evan Nelle’s 12 markers, seven rebounds, and three steals.
Meanwhile, Kurt Reyson led CSJL with 17 points while Kobe Bryan Monje and Paolo Javillonar each put up 11 and 10 markers, respectively.
Finding a groove
After the opening tip, the Green Archers looked to bank on the momentum from their incredible 9-0 record as they met the shields of the Knights. Leveling out the field, DLSU showcased their defensive prowess as both teams could not find the bottom of the net in the first plays of the fixture. Two minutes into the quarter, Nonoy finally opened the scoring after sinking both his freebies off a Letran foul. The Knights followed suit, however, as back-to-back baskets by former Green Archer Deo Cuajao gave his squad the early lead, 4-2.
As both squads struggled to score due to each other’s neck-and-neck defense, points came off transition plays. A Letran timeout in the 3:23 mark would work wonders for the Green and White as they substituted their starting five. Quiambao knocked down a three off the whistle to give La Salle the edge, 13-10; his spark off the bench was exactly what they needed as he led a back and forth sequence after. The 21-year-old stalwart would follow up Michael Phillips’ thunderous slam with his own putback dunk to close the quarter in favor of DLSU, 23-18.
Iron sharpens arrows
Even after La Salle picked up the pace in the closing minutes of the first quarter, the gutsy Letran would not let the game fall out of their hands. They kept the affair close until the 7:25 mark when DLSU Head Coach Topex Robinson had to call a timeout after consecutive offensive boards led to an Edzel Galoy lay-in for Letran, 28-24.
Quiambao’s scorching-hot 16-point first half helped the Taft-based squad find their groove even after he was subbed out to rest at the 5:36 mark. Throughout the midpoint in the second period, scoring would come from Nonoy, M. Phillips, Nelle, and Bright Nwankwo. This proved to be too much for CSJL even with Kurt Reyson keeping them afloat, DLSU finished the first half on top, 52-45.
Out-running, out-gunning
After a strong start, La Salle continued their onslaught from both sides of the court, tallying steals and blocks while consistently answering Letran’s multiple attempts at a comeback. The moment the buzzer sounded off to begin the second half, Letran scored two quick points. However, Quiambao scored a teardrop–the beginning of what would be a long run by the Taft-based team. This was followed by Josh David’s textbook pump fake that led to an open layup, 56-47.
In the process, the Archers showcased their defensive prowess, drawing offensive fouls, grabbing defensive boards, and constantly forcing CSJL turnovers. By the 7:50 mark, Letran Knight Paolo Javillonar suffered an apparent knee injury after colliding with DLSU’s M. Phillips during a change of possession.
As the game resumed, the Green Archers continued scoring buckets and getting defensive stops. An M. Phillips steal from the perimeter led to an easy EJ Gollena fast break layup, 58-47. The trio of Quiambao, David, and Joaquin Manuel then added eight more points in possessions created from fast breaks, offensive rebounds, and fouls drawn, capping off a dominant 14-0 run to give La Salle a 66-47 lead with 5:51 left in the third quarter. Quiambao would also score his third three-pointer of the game after being left wide open on the wing just before a 12-5 run by Letran, 69-49. Owing to the heated game, Robinson was then slapped with a technical foul on the 49.7 mark after vividly pointing out a missed call on a loose ball. Regardless, DLSU ended the quarter with a 13-point lead over CSJL, 74-61, finally pulling away.
Sealing the deal
The fourth quarter became a continuation of the already La Salle-dominated story of the second half. Just as the Knights were looking for a miracle to keep their semis hopes alive, Nelle scored from downtown, while Quiambao grabbed two defensive rebounds that both led to four easy points on transition layups by JC Macalalag, 81-64. Coming off a Letran timeout, Nonoy hit back-to-back threes—the eighth and ninth of the game by the Green Archers, 87-66. After three more free throws, courtesy of Francis Escandor and Nelle, DLSU gained its largest lead of the afternoon at 22, 90-68.
Just as the game was about to end, Jonnel Policarpio scored six straight points—including a monstrous one-hand dunk that got the crowd out of their seats, 96-76. A CJ Austria and-one and a Nelle runner off the glass would finally seal the deal for DLSU to advance to the semifinals, 101-79.
The matchup between La Salle and Letran featured 14 out of 15 Green Archers on the scoreboard, showcasing excellent team performance. Their effort on the defensive floor was also noteworthy as they topped up 13 steals and six blocks to just six and none by the Knights. After steamrolling the tournament with 10 straight wins, DLSU is scheduled to return to the same venue on Monday, June 19, for their semifinals versus the NU Bulldogs.
The Scores:
DLSU 101 – Quiambao 23, Nonoy 18, Nelle 12, Austria 7, Macalalag 6, Manuel 6, Policarpio 6, M. Phillips 6, David 4, Abadam 4, Gollena 4, Nwankwo 2, Cortez 2, Escandor 1, B. Phillips 0
CSJL 79 – Reyson 17, Monje 11, Javillonar 10, Cuajao 9, Tolentino 9, Galoy 7, Santos 6, Bojorcelo 4, Guarino 2, Nunag 2, Morales 2, Laquindanum 0, Bautista 0, Brillantes 0, Go 0, Casia 0
Quarter Scores: 23-18, 52-45, 74-61, 101-79
