The De La Salle University Green Archers won in last year’s finals rematch against the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons, 72-69, to end the first round of eliminations in the UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball tournament.

In the dying seconds of the game, Earl Abadam tried to secure the victory for the defending champions. Still, he missed his triple, which gave Vhoris Marasigan a chance to provide a two-point cushion for the Green Archers, 71-69.

Gani Stevens and Francis Nnoruka both missed their attempts, and DLSU’s Mike Phillips split his free throws to seal the game in their favor.

“It’s a really good character for both of us. We were both struggling at the start, and it did not show any roughness or shyness in the game – we just competed. There’s gonna be challenges. We’ve been challenged lately, but obviously the guys just didn’t give up and really gave us a good fight,” said Green Archers head coach Topex Robinson.

Luis Pablo led the Green Archers with 14 points and six rebounds, while Jacob Cortez, Mike Phillips, and EJ Gollena each scored 12 points and combined for 24 rebounds and 10 assists.

For the Fighting Maroons, Harold Alarcon scored 13 points, eight rebounds, and seven assists, while Gerry Abadiano, Francis Nnruka, and Terrence Fortea each had 12 points.

Earlier that day, the Far Eastern University Tamaraws went back to the winning column after keeping the University of the East Red Warriors winless at the end of the first round of eliminations, 95-76.

In the fourth quarter, the Tamaraws fired off a 13-0 run to stretch their lead to 79-54 with eight minutes remaining. This lead proved to be too much for the Warriors, who were still winless in seven games.

“Last year, we were 1-6 to start the season. This year, we’ve had some improvement  – we just didn’t get the result right. We’ve learned from them, we got better, and to be honest, on Friday we had a serious conversation with players and staff about what hard work and what commitment looks like and where we need to get to,” said Tamaraws head coach Sean Chambers.

Jorick Bautista led the Tamaraws with 22 points, while Janrey Pasaol finished the game with 17 points and 10 assists. Mo Konateh contributed 15 points and 14 rebounds, while Kirby Mongcopa added 12 points and 11 rebounds. Jed Daa had 10 points.

For the Red Warriors, Precious Momowei had another double-double performance of 23 points and 11 rebounds, while Nico Mulingtapang and Tope Lagat had 13 points apiece.

14, 6

Since it’s a balance game for the Green Archers, Luis Pablo spoke on behalf of everyone that the team did it for their injured players, Kean Baclaan and Mason Amos. Pablo finished the game with 14 points and six rebounds. Neither Baclaan nor Amos played the game due to knee injuries.

“Super thankful. We owe it to Kean and Mason. It’s hard na they’re not with us in the court, so every game, we offer it to them, we owe it to them. They may not be in the court with us, but their hearts and spirits are always with us. Super happy na we got this win but we’re far from over,” he said.

Jacob Cortez added, “I think after the first round, we finally found the click. It’s all about sticking together. Besides the X’s and O’s, we just got to stick together, trust each other, and I think that’s what’s gonna help us win. That’s gonna help us in the second round and eventually in the playoffs.”

4-3

At the end of the first round of eliminations, the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons stood in the middle of the standings at a 4-3 win-loss record, identical to those of Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles and De La Salle University Green Archers.

Despite their loss to end the first round of eliminations, Fighting Maroons head coach Goldwin Monteverde believed that the team’s overall performance was something to be applauded.

“We just approach this game the same way and alam naman namin na ‘yung La Salle will respond with what’s happening. Hindi naman sila ‘yung tipo na program na would back down from adversity kasi sa championship experience nila, maganda talaga. We never really say to feel confident about it, but basta kami, nag-prepare kami,” he said.

Now that the tournament will enter its second round of eliminations, Monteverde knew that it would not be an easy way to a back-to-back championship.

“I think okay naman. Parang kung nasaan kami before, maganda naman na progression nila, but siyempre we have to be better and improve pa. Kasi alam namin na kung nasaan kami ngayon, kulang pa, pero ta-trabahuhin pa namin. We just have to be consistent lang talaga before adversity happens. Hindi ba dapat kasi when we’re put in that position, makapag-execute kami.”

63.6%

Jorick Bautista had his best game of the season, leading the team with 22 points in 63.6% field goal efficiency. After the game, Bautista said their victory was a good way to end the first round of eliminations and to start the second round on a high note.

“Focus muna kami kung anong meron kami ngayon. Sa training talaga kami nagsisimula. Tinake talaga namin seriously, kami ni Janrey [Pasaol], nag-usap kami na ‘yun talaga ang tatrabahuhin namin sa second reound. Kung ano ang nangyari ngayon, hanggang ngayon lang yan tapos next game ibang mindset na naman,” he said after the game.

At the end of the first round of eliminations, the National University Bulldogs stay on top of the standings with a 6-1 win-loss record, followed by the University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigers at 5-2.

The University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons, De La Salle University Green Archers, and the Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles are currently tied in the middle with an identical 4-3 win-loss record.

Adamson University Soaring Falcons came in at sixth with a 3-4 card, followed by Far Eastern University’s 2-5. The University of the East Red Warriors are in the bottom of the standings with seven losses in as many games.