The La Salle Green Archers fended off a fourth-quarter surge from the NU Bulldogs, 89-87, to open their title defense in the UAAP Season 89 Men’s Basketball Tournament at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
In the fourth quarter, the Green Archers extended their lead to as much as 14 points, 78-64, but the Bulldogs answered with a 20-7 run to cut the deficit to just one point, 84-85. Doy Dungo provided La Salle with some breathing room after knocking down a triple to make it 88-84 with 49.5 seconds left.
La Salle Survives
With 6.3 seconds remaining, Mo Diassana and Reinhard Jumamoy once again cut the lead to one, 87-88. Mason Amos then made one of his two free throws to give La Salle a two-point lead, 89-87.
PJ Palacielo had a chance to win it for NU, but his potential game-winning triple from the corner missed, giving La Salle the victory.
“As always, it’s gonna be a battle until that final buzzer. We were able to pull away early but NU was able to get back. You just have to appreciate the way these guys responded. It’s not really an easy task to play NU. The guys are just contributing and helping each other out, especially on the defensive end,” said Green Archers head coach Topex Robinson.
Rookie Leads the Way
Rookie Joaquin Tovera led the Green Archers with 22 points, while Luis Pablo contributed 16 points, seven rebounds, and two blocks. Dungo finished the game with 12 points.
For the Bulldogs, Tebol Garcia and Kenshin Padrones scored 14 points apiece, while Diassana added 12 points and 12 rebounds. Palacielo had 10 points, eight rebounds, and five assists.
The Green Archers will next face the UST rowling Tigers on Wednesday, September 16, at 5:30 p.m. at the SM Mall of Asia Arena. Meanwhile, the Bulldogs will take on the UE Warriors on Saturday, September 19, at 3:00 p.m. at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
