After a two-game losing skid, the defending champions La Salle Green Archers returned to the winning column after dominating the UE Red Warriors, 112-87, in the UAAP Season 89 Men’s Basketball Tournament at the PhilSports Arena.
After slow starts in their past two games, the Green Archers finally found their rhythm early, building a double-digit lead after the first quarter, 31-19.
The defending champions continued their offensive onslaught throughout the game, stretching their lead to 19 at halftime, 61-42. La Salle never looked back in the second half, scoring 51 more points to finish with 112—the highest-scoring game since Season 84.
“We just discussed how unpredictable this season will be, especially with the games yesterday. This is just gonna make every game very, very interesting. We came from back-to-back losses, those are big losses for us, but I guess it’s just more on focusing on our own race, making sure we’re just gonna focus on ourselves,” said La Salle head coach Topex Robinson.
La Salle Leans On Balanced Attack
Mason Amos led the Green Archers with 19 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 blocks, while Jacob Cortez added 15 points and 4 assists. Mikey Cortez chipped in 11 points, while Henry Agunanne had 11 points and 9 rebounds.
Doy Dungo and Joaquin Tovera also finished with 10 points apiece.
For the Red Warriors, Tope Lagat scored 30 points, three assists, and three steals in a losing effort. Mo Tañedo had 14 points and nine assists, while Gene Carillo and Kean Dungca added 12 points each.
The Green Archers will next face their rival, the Ateneo Blue Eagles, on Wednesday, October 7, at 6:00 p.m. at the SM Mall of Asia Arena. Meanwhile, the Red Warriors will take on the Adamson Soaring Falcons on Sunday, October 11, at 2:30 p.m. at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
