Paddlers storm on top halfway through the elimination round

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The DLSU men’s and women’s table tennis teams are on course for a double championship bid after beginning their season ahead of the pack in the opening weekend of the UAAP table tennis tournament at the Blue Eagle Gym.

On Saturday, the Green Paddlers bagged comfortable 3-0 wins against UE and NU before being tested by a resilient UST team. The rematch of last year’s semifinals went in favour of DLSU by winning the team tie, 3-1. It was not an easy match however as Jerald Cristobal took five sets in winning his game. Also in five sets, Jethro Yatco slipped against his opponent. The two matches then became one-way streets with Walden Ledesma closing the night with a sweep of his opponent.

Yesterday, the champions had a more comfortable display in action after silencing FEU, Adamson, Ateneo and UP en route to a dominating 7-0 first round finish. Job is far from done for the Green Paddlers in order to retain the championship as anything can still happen in the latter stages of the season.

Green Paddlers captain Cristobal was pleased with their performance. Hoping to keep their focus intact as they approach their next games, he furthered, “Sana walang magkumpiyansa. Sana magtuloy-tuloy.” He also championed the importance of mental toughness. “Kahit lamang, huwag mawala sa game plan kasi hindi pa tapos hanggang sa umabot ng 11 (or score at the end of each set),” he voiced.

In the women’s division, the Lady Paddlers went home on Saturday undefeated. Adamson and FEU fell victim to the Lasallians’ vicious attacking barrages. Neither team managed to steal a game from the Lady Paddlers although some games were fought closely. Equipped with experience, La Salle’s women’s table tennis players were composed in finishing off their foes.

It was almost the same story the following day but the team fell to champions UP, 3-1, with Ian Lariba the sole victor in the rematch of last year’s finals. Another title contender, UST, stole a game from the Lady Paddlers but the runners-up of Season 76 overcame the threat of the Tigresses whom they defeated 3-1. NU and Ateneo suffered the same fate FEU and Adamson did a day before after getting blanked by the Lasallians, who sealed a 5-1 record at the end of the first round. They hold a slim advantage from UP and FEU after having the best quotient among the three teams. It is almost insignificant, however, as it is seen to change in the coming matches.

After a scintillating first round, Lady Paddlers skipper Lariba echoed Cristobal on mental toughness and adds that the team should aptly move on from the opening round results for them to keep their heads into the coming games. “Dapat kaming lahat nasa present moment.” She also mentioned that assessment of the other team’s performances is still inconclusive at this point as it is normally a period of experimentation.

The teams return to the Blue Eagle Gym next weekend to complete elimination round proceedings.

Archers stave off Bulldogs, forge semi-final clash with Tamaraws

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In a match that will decide their path into the playoffs of UAAP Season 77, the DLSU Green Archers showcased flamboyant basketball in the second half to defeat the NU Bulldogs, 68-56, on a rare Saturday evening match at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Vosotros led the scoring for La Salle with 15 points. Amply contributing to the offensive load are big men Arnold van Opstal and Norbert Torres with 14 and 13 correspondingly. Usually scoring heavily, Jeron Teng only produced nine points today after being the target of NU’s stiff interior defense.

The game was starting to become a nail-biter heading into the second half. As anticipated by many, neither team controlled the pace of the action. At the opening moments of the third, Jason Perkins and Jeth Rosario lit up the floor for their teams–hinting what could be a close finish. After van Opstal split his free throws and Jeron Teng made a couple of shots from the foul line, multiple unanswered field goals from La Salle altered the course of the game. Vosotros, Perkins, and Sargent all fired to provide a cushioned lead for La Salle. Vosotros finally broke out from a shooting slump he was believed to be in to end the third-quarter scoring for La Salle with a three-pointer. That basket extended the Archers’ lead to ten, 49-39. Alolino would make his next two field goals to reduce the gap back to single-digits going into the fourth quarter.

The final quarter proved to be the pivotal quarter for DLSU. With 6:01 minutes left in the final quarter, nine unanswered points from La Salle which was started by a Montalbo three pushed the lead to 17. At that point, only the final score was left to be determined as La Salle continued to hold on to the lead by preventing NU from converting field goals with aggressive defense even if they were at the penalty.

Coach Juno Sauler cites that his team sought to match the deliberate, low-tempo NU brand of basketball. Through it, getting the ball inside to the big men provided chances to score high-percentage shots and at the same opening spaces for shooters in the perimeter.

The game began well for the Green Archers who finished the first period on top by three. NU built a five-point advantage in the middle of the second quarter thanks to the suffocating defense they employed which resulted in only conceding four points. Not willing to let the Bulldogs take charge, the champions asserted themselves and retook a slim lead by launching a 7-0 rally of their own that was capped off by a Teng troika. Rosario levelled the score before the teams entered the halftime break.

The playoff for second seed, also known as the first game of what appears to be a best-of-three series between DLSU and FEU will be on Sunday, September 21, 3:00 PM at the Mall of Asia Arena. The Tamaraws, who lost to Ateneo in overtime earlier, share the same 10-4 win-loss record with the Archers. Although FEU won both games against La Salle this season, a playoff is required to break the tie in second place as per UAAP rules.

“[We] just have to match the intensity of FEU,” told Sauler who acknowledges the Tamaraws’ brilliance in playing high-tempo basketball. He attributed the capacity of FEU to profit in transition as the main factor in their losses against the Tamaraws in the elimination round. Sauler also voiced the need to restrict their scorers, mainly Mike Tolomia and Mac Belo, from finding and creating opportunities.

NOTES: FEU is the only team to have not lost against La Salle in UAAP Season 77 men’s basketball. Thomas Torres, suited in uniform and stayed the entirety of the game on the bench, rejoined training this week and may see action against FEU, the only opponent that he was available for a full game this season, if he will be deemed fit in time for Sunday. After being held scoreless in the game against UE, Jason Perkins notched eight points and also providing extra muscle in the paint with seven rebounds in today’s game. The Archers also shot 51% from the field and only limited NU to 37 percent. Most strikingly, DLSU played outstanding defense after only giving away a single uncontested attempt.

Game photos can be viewed by clicking the link below:

DLSU vs. NU Round 2 photos

Box scores:

DLSU (68) – Vosotros 15, van Opstal 14, Torres 13, Teng 9, Perkins 8, Montalbo 5, Sargent 4, Rivero 0, Bolick 0, Mustre 0, Tratter 0.

NU(56) – Alolino 18, Rosario 14, Javelona 8, Aroga 8, Khobuntin 4, Betayene 4, Diputado 0, Celda 0, Neypes 0, Perez 0.

Quarter scores: 20-17, 31-31, 49-43, 68-56

Paddlers prepped to land on top of the table anew

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UAAP Season 76 was a bountiful year for the DLSU Table Tennis teams after garnering a gold medal finish in the men’s tournament and a silver-glazed season in the women’s division. Earning the most number of points combined in the event, La Salle’s paddlers reigned supreme among the rest. This time around, the team is even looking to finish stronger by accomplishing a championship double—one that has been eluding them in recent years.

Not going anywhere

Now that they are entering the tournament as champions, the Green Paddlers are the team-to-beat, told skipper Jerald Cristobal who admitted that it will be a challenging season for his team. The impressive performance of the men’s team in the elimination round booked them an advantageous seat into the semifinals. A repeat of last season’s dominance bodes well for a title defense.

With Earvin de Pedro the sole departure from last season’s lineup, Cristobal believes his team has what it takes to defend the championship.  There will also be a couple of first-timers, Leonard Solis and Francis Garganian, who are ready to help the team in its title retention bid this year.

Losing focus and playing complacently are unwelcome for the UAAP men’s table tennis champions if they are to successfully fend off their rivals from stealing the championship away from them.

Aside from internal hindrances, Cristobal, who won the clinching match in last year’s finals, suggested that some schools have heavy reinforcements which could cause them problems this season. He singled out rivals UST as the main threat as two of its ace players return from ineligibility. Apart from the España’s golden men, last year’s finalists FEU, UE and Adamson were also the other teams the team is watching out for.

Winning the championship was a catalyst to the Green Paddlers’ game play. “We gained more confidence in tournaments. We performed better,” bared Cristobal.  He and his teammates, together with the Lady Paddlers, prepared for this season as early as February. The long span of time the team has allotted for Season 77 demonstrates their eagerness on keeping the prize in their hands.

As the target of most teams, the Green Paddlers cannot afford to take their feet off the gas. Cristobal  hoped that expectations would not negatively get into their heads. “It would help if we think of ourselves as the underdogs so we could ease the pressure in keeping the championship,” he supplemented.

Reclaiming lost glory

Accomplishing a double round sweep against six other teams is not a feat regularly done by many, but last season the Lady Paddlers did just that. Blowing by the competition, the UAAP Season 75 champions looked well on their way to a conquering finish. However, the long layoff proved to be a liability than an asset as a momentum-driven UP Lady Maroons team shocked the Lady Paddlers in the finals. Emerging from a step-ladder format, the Iskas wiped out the enormous thrice-to-beat advantage of DLSU by winning three straight games which resulted in a power shift from Malate to Diliman.

A season after, ace player and team captain Ian Lariba thinks she and her teammates are hungry to take their trophy back. She elaborated, “We have what it takes to become champions. We gained the finals seat and the thrice-to-beat advantage that came with it so I suppose we could go all the way. Our goal for this season is to recover the championship.”

Lariba cited the importance of momentum as a key factor in last year’s finals. “We realized that it was really important to sustain our momentum going into the finals. We cannot afford to slow down. Once we reach the top, we have to strive to get better so we could play at an optimal level.” In order for them to do that, the Cagayan de Oro native thinks they should perform consistently well to avoid the hiccup they suffered last year.

Last year’s runners-up will miss the services of seasoned players Jellie Ann Yanela and Michaella Yagin, both of whom have forsaken the team due to graduation. In their places come rookies Ina Co and Kimberly Lumenda. Those are the only changes for the Lady Paddlers, relatively intact in their pursuit of regaining the women’s collegiate table tennis’ top prize.

The team is wary of the widespread competition this season. Champions UP are intact while FEU and UST have players coming off redshirt spells. According to Lariba, these are the teams that have the potential of stopping them from their redemption track.

For the women’s team, Lariba said they are ready to do their talking through their deeds. “You don’t have to say anything for as long as you keep on performing, everything will follow,” told Lariba of what could be her team’s words to live by.

Fast and furious action on the tables

The table tennis tournament is perhaps the most jam-packed of all UAAP events. The elimination round is played through a double round robin format all inside four game days. A team can play a maximum of four games in one day as one weekend is allotted for one round. Playoffs are often held inside one or two days depending on the format in place. Hence, it is vital for the Paddlers to be battle-ready at all times.

Cristobal puts a premium on mental toughness in surpassing the challenges the tournament gives. He added, “Almost all of us prepared similarly for the tournament. It all boils down on determination—the will to win each game.”

Meanwhile, Lariba emphasized on playing the game gradually by focusing on every point and in a way that once something happened already, they should learn to recover right away and continue to play. She furthered, “we should learn to adapt regardless of the result. After each game, we can only march on to the next.”

The journey towards a championship double for Coach Lauro Crisostomo’s players will begin on Saturday, September 13, 2014 at the Blue Eagle Gym. The Green Paddlers will open their defense against UE at 9:00 AM and will be followed by games versus NU and UST in the afternoon. The Lady Paddlers square off against Adamson, also at 9:00 AM and will cap the day off with an afternoon encounter against FEU.

 

Green Archers lose pivotal battle against Red Warriors

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In an all-important game, the Green Archers lost footing late in the fourth as the UE Red Warriors ran away winners of a pulsating UAAP Season 77 elimination round match Wednesday afternoon at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Instead of booking an outright Final Four spot with a victory today, the Green Archers now need to beat NU to stand a chance of nabbing a prized twice-to-beat advantage. A loss could even put DLSU on the brink of elimination should other results don’t go their way.

Leading 61-51 in the last four minutes of the game, the Green Archers looked to have buried their foes en route to a Final Four seat. Their magnanimous display of clinical basketball pushed them well ahead in the final period.

Suddenly, UE unleashed the Warriors within themselves and started to inch closer. Their last stand was paired by the timeliness of the champions’ collapse resulting from the full court press that stifled the men in green. In effect, the Warriors were propelled by a 12-2 run inside the ensuing three minutes. Game tied 63-all.

Then, a crucial Dan Alberto steal off Almond Vosotros provided UE a three-point cushion after completing the basket-plus-foul play as he was fouled by Jeron Teng in transition.

Seeking to cancel out Alberto, Teng drove to the basket hoping to convert in more ways than one. Unfortunately, the ball slipped off the Season 76 MVP’s hands; in the process of sending the ball the Warriors’ way. Sumang was fouled and he made one of two. UE led by four.

An Almond Vosotros trey halted the celebrations of the red gallery but only by just a few minutes. Javier was fouled by Torres and split his charities. A two-point deficit and 1.4 seconds left was too little for DLSU to send it to overtime.

Both teams would feel hard done with a loss. UE began the game efficiently, limiting La Salle to 22 points and holding a lead as large as 15 in the first half. 12 of them came from the free throw line and none of the perimeter shots fell.

It was a close affair in the opening 10 minutes, with UE ending the quarter ahead by two. A monster rally spearheaded by Sumang lifted UE to a double-digit lead at halftime. A good defensive performance brought La Salle closer in the fourth. Conceding only seven points, the Green Archers trimmed the deficit to four, 43-39.

A series of one-way basketball in favor of La Salle then placed them ahead in the fourth. With momentum on their side, the Archers milked from the perimeter to establish a 10-point cushion. Unfortunately, there was enough time for the Warriors to have a say in the game.

In the loss, Teng produced 23 points, nine rebounds and four assists. Vosotros and Sargent also combined for 21 points. La Salle’s big men were neutralized by UE’s interior defense. They were contained to 16 points, 14 of which coming from Norbert Torres and Prince Rivero.

Despite the loss, Sauler encouraged his players to play the way they did in the second half. Only one game remains and it cannot be more important than all the other games.

On Saturday, 6PM, at the Araneta Coliseun, the Green Archers will shoot for a chance to nab a playoff advantage in a duel against NU. The winners will claim the right to face the loser of the FEU-Ateneo match for a twice-to-beat spot.

The scores:

DLSU (66) – Teng 23, Sargent 11, Vosotros 10, N. Torres 7, Rivero 7, Montalbo 6, van Opstal 2, Perkins 0, Andrada 0, Salem 0.

UE (68) – Galanza 21, Sumang 14, Javier 8, Alberto 6, Jumao-as 6, Mammie 4, Arafat 3, Varila 2, De Leon 2, Palma 2, Guiang 0, Olayon 0.

Quarter scores: 13-15, 22-36, 39-43, 66-68.

Green Archers outlast Growling Tigers in nail-biting fashion

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A late game surge lifted the Green Archers past the Growling Tigers, 67-60, in the UAAP Season 77 Men’s Basketball Tournament at the Mall of Asia Arena earlier today. The win allows La Salle to at least contest for a spot in the semifinals.

Jeron Teng came up strong in the game, scoring 11 crucial points of his 26 overall in the fourth quarter.  The third year player also tallied seven rebounds and two assists. Arnold van Opstal added 11 points and seven rebounds and more importantly his presence inside that kept Karim Abdul from dominating the paint.

On the other hand, Ed Daquioag led the Growling tigers with 19 points shooting 64% in the field.  Usual suspects Aljon Mariano and Abdul were limited to 19 points as well but only shooting a combined 5/27.

UST cagers Daquioag, Abdul, and Kent Lao contributed 11 points each to carry their team in the first three quarters but Jeron Teng’s strong inside game pushed La Salle within striking distance only allowing UST to lead by one at the end of the third.

The final quarter showcased a see-saw affair between the two teams.

Both teams did not want to let one another break away.  Daquioag and Lao scored back to back three-pointers early in the fourth but Teng and Van Opstal answered quickly with the King Archer strong inside finish and an AVO and-one move.

Late in the fourth, Daquioag provided a temporary six-point breakaway lead for the Growling Tigers scoring a triple and a jumper consecutively.  Once again, DLSU depended on Teng and AVO to cut down the 6 point deficit and to lead by a point in the final minutes of the quarter.

With only a three point La Salle lead, Teng spoiled a crucial Growling Tigers possession with a steal on Mariano in the final stretch of the game.  Two Kib Montalbo free throws served as the last nail in the coffin for the Green and White as they finally outplayed the Growling Tigers, 67-60.

“UST played very well [on] both ends of the floor,” remarked Coach Juno Sauler who also credited his team’s stiff defense that only allowed UST to score 26 points in the second half. “We really pulled this off because of our defense.” He added that his team had to adjust in order to overcome their foes. “Outside shots started falling in. We wanted to focus on their scorers.”

UST controlled the game’s opening half, emerging on top of both quarters’ ends. However, La Salle was not far behind throughout that stretch with the game having only three deadlocks and two lead changes. Also, neither team led by more than six points in the first 20 minutes of action.

With UE and NU still standing along their way towards possibly nabbing a twice-to-beat advantage in the Final Four, Sauler views these games as opportunities for his team to not only win but to improve more heading to the playoffs. “We have two games left.  Wherever that takes us, we just have to accept.” Coach Juno said.

The Green Archers will face the UE Red Warriors on September 10, 2:00 PM at the Smart Araneta Coliseum with a win assuring La Salle of a place in the Final Four.

Game photos can be viewed by clicking the link below:

DLSU vs. UST Round 2 [09.06.14]

 

DLSU (67) –  Teng 26, Van Opstal 11, Montalbo 8, Sargent 7, N. Torres 7, Perkins 4, Vosotros 4, Bolick 0, Rivero 0, Tratter 0.

UST (60) – Daquioag 19, Lao 14, Abdul 13, Mariano 6, Lo 5, Gayosa 3, Basibas 0, Macasaet 0, Pe 0, Subido 0.

Quarter scores: 16-17, 30-34, 46-47, 67-60.

Green Shuttlers fall to indomitable Bulldogs in Finals opener

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The Green Shuttlers succumbed to the National University Bulldogs, 0-3, earlier today at the Rizal Memorial Badminton Hall in Game One of the UAAP Season 77 Men’s Badminton Finals. Armed with a thrice-to-beat advantage, NU showcased their dominance as the top team in the league after sweeping the matches at the expense of a challenging La Salle squad.

Kenneth Monterubio began the day with a loss to Joper Escueta in the first singles’ duel, 16-21 and 12-21 as the Green Shuttler found it difficult to match up with Escueta’s offensive prowess.

Gerald Sibayan met a similar fate at the hands of Peter Magnaye in the second match of the singles series as the latter swept his Taft-based counterpart in dominant fashion, 12-21 and 16-21. Sibayan tried to crawl his way back into the game in the second set but committed an error that quelled his efforts to make a comeback.

With the Green Shuttlers down at 0-2 in the singles’ matches, Sibayan rejoined Anton Cayanan to engage Magnaye and Escueta in the doubles’ series with the hopes of mounting a comeback. Their efforts were daunting but the Bulldogs prevailed as the stellar duo from Sampaloc was relentless offensively while capitalizing on Sibayan and Cayanan’s errors to eventually win the series, 14-21 and 14-21. A service miscue by Cayanan sealed the deal for NU in the deciding set of the game.

NU is a powerhouse team. Sinabi ko sa team ko yung maabot tayo sa finals is an achievement na sa amin. I hope na mag-enjoy lang sila sa game. No pressure kahit maari kasi I know naman ano mangyari gagawin ng part nila. Sabi ko sa kanila sa susunod ng game I hope mas prepared kami. At the same time, mag-enjoy lang sila sa dating ng game kasi masyado sila ma-pressure,” Green Shuttlers head coach Owen Lopez commented on his team’s performance.

With their backs against the wall, the Green Shuttlers will look to bounce back in Game Two on September 7 back at the Rizal Memorial Stadium to keep their bid for the UAAP badminton title alive.

Lady Shuttlers settle for fourth following two crucial defeats

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Tied for second with Ateneo before the weekend, the Lady Shuttlers finished their UAAP Season 77 campaign in fourth place after suffering defeats to champions Ateneo and FEU in a span of two days at the Rizal Memorial Badminton Courts.

In a tussle for the lucrative twice-to-beat prize that comes along with placing second, La Salle and Ateneo went head-to-head to determine who claims the second spot. Both teams had 5-2 records at the end of the elimination round.

Although La Salle defeated Ateneo, a playoff for second is still in place after UAAP rules stipulate that the only way to break a deadlock between two teams is through another set of badminton matches.

Yesterday, Ateneo erased the bitterness of losing to La Salle last week by handing their rivals a 3-1 result. Only the pair of Kristelle Salatan and Aires Montilla picked up a win for them. Consequently, the Lady Shuttlers earned the right to face FEU, who edged UST in a playoff for fourth on the same day.

FEU started the games with a 2-0 lead. Michal Duquilla and Thea Pomar bagged wins against Danica San Ignacio and Alyssa Leonardo respectively. The latter took three sets before running out of steam, losing 19-21, 21-19, 18-21.

The doubles’ action was favourable for La Salle. The Salatan-Montilla partnership seized a 21-15, 21-13 victory against Pomar and Hannah Tudtud. Beaten in their corresponding singles’ games, San Ignacio and Leonardo redeemed themselves with a 21-15, 21-11 result in just 30 minutes of play.

With both teams’ title aspirations hanging on the balance, Montilla and Tudtud fought to preserve their campaign this season.

Tudtud took advantage of lapses of Montilla early on, scoring an 11-6 lead. It grew by as much as 10 at 19-9 but Montilla refused to go down without a fight. She mounted a comeback but Tudtud mustered enough energy to kill it at 21-18.

The last set was almost the same as the other but Montilla did not replicate that gradual run, sending FEU to a semifinal encounter against Ateneo.

Coach Owen Lopez remarked the performance of his young team, citing a couple of factors that they still need to work on a lot more in the future.

“Siguro nagkulang lang sa consistency, especially sa singles, at saka decision-making,” he said, pointing out the strength of the team’s pairs. “Kung nakaisa kami [sa singles’], tingin ko nanalo kami.”

In spite of the early exit, Lopez acknowledged the preparations made by other teams which he said was beyond their control. Looking forward, the DLSU badminton mentor remains optimistic about his team’s future.

“Sana matuto sila from this year,” he ended.

Green Shuttlers return to the finals after sweeping Ateneo

IMG_0392There was no need to use the twice-to-beat advantage for the Green Shuttlers resoundingly ousted last season’s champions Ateneo, 3-0, Sunday morning at the Rizal Memorial Badminton Courts.

Unlike in the elimination round when all five games have to be played, the playoffs institute a race to three affair.

Gerald Sibayan, Kenneth Monterubio, and Anton Cayanan displayed flamboyant badminton early on to keep the match within the minimum number of games.

“Kinausap ko na sila na hanggang sa maaari ‘yung singles’ muna kami magfocus,” said Coach Owen Lopez, who knows that it’s going to be a tight battle between individual players.

Sibayan faced Pawee Natividad in the first game. He took control of the match by grabbing the first set, 21-16. The Atenean responded by levelling the match with a 21-17 second set win. Going down the wire, Sibayan avoided surrendering the match the way he did when the last two teams met. Just like the first set, he won 21-16 to swing momentum in favour of La Salle.

Next came Kenneth Monterubio who went against Carlo Remo. Just like his teammate, he needed three sets to dispose his rival. Their match was closer than the previous one but the result was the same with Monterubio scraping a 21-16, 18-21, 21-19 win.

Only needing to win one more game, La Salle, bannered by Sibayan and Cayanan, flourished against brothers Justin and Pawee Natividad. It only took the tandem in green two sets, 21-17, 21-13, to book their ticket to a finals date with National University, holders of a massive thrice-to-beat incentive.

“Ready naman sila palagi as long as hindi sila masyadong magrelax,” he told of his players in terms challenge of facing unbeaten NU. He hopes that the team will be better pprepared against their friends in NU who are also their teammates in the national team pool.

However, for now at least, Lopez and his players are relishing the moment of entering the finals after being denied repeatedly in the past few years.

‘Breaks of the Game’: Archers’ streak, joint leadership broken following FEU win

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The seven-game winning run established by the Green Archers at the Mall of Asia Arena last month was wiped out at the same venue by the league-leading FEU Tamaraws, 70-74, Wednesday night on the back of crucial plays that fell the gold-and-green’s way.

Jeron Teng’s 28 points were all in vain as the Season MVP Candidate’s teammates were limited to single-digit numbers save for Norbert Torres who notched 13 points. Together, they accounted for 41 points, 18 rebounds and six assists.

Meanwhile, FEU’s dynamic duo Mike Tolomia and Mac Belo scored 26 of their combined 33 points in the second half, promptly stepping up to lead their team to its eighth win.

Each break in the game has a fascinating story that altogether compose a colorful back story to a potential playoff matchup .

First quarter, 6:10. Timeout FEU.  
DLSU 10-7 FEU

The game started with Carl Bryan Cruz and Teng exchanging buckets in the opening minute. FEU drifted away through quick shots drained by Belo and Alejandrino Iñigo. The champions, wary of the Tamaraws’ offensive strength, chalked an 8-0 run capped by a lay-in from Jason Perkins. Nash Racela calls for a much-needed breather after seeing his players looked helpless at that moment.

First quarter, 2:54. Timeout DLSU.
DLSU 14-9 FEU

Inside the next four minutes, both teams settled for a quick yet unproductive pace that was sprinkled with turnovers, forced shots and good defense. High percentage shots from Raymar Jose, Perkins, and Teng were the only ones that counted. Juno Sauler, knowing his team could do more, called time.

End of first quarter.
DLSU 19-15 FEU

With less time on the clock than the past sequence, both teams gunned more to close out the quarter in entertaining fashion. Teng even scored a three to push the lead to eight but Russell Escoto, scoring all six of FEU’s points in the last three minutes brought his team nearer than it would have been.

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Second quarter, 5:30. Timeout DLSU.
DLSU 24-21 FEU

La Salle led by nine early in the second courtesy of Prince Rivero’s uncontested long-range shot. However, FEU gained momentum through Roger Pogoy launching a 6-0 run that came to Sauler’s attention.

Second quarter, 3:03. Timeout FEU.
DLSU 30-21 FEU

The Green Archers countered the Tamaraws’ rally, cancelling it via Torres who sank four free throws after Perkins immediately converted on the play that succeeded DLSU’s timeout. Racela was clearly not happy and used his last timeout of the half.

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Halftime.
DLSU 35-26 FEU

Belo stopped the bleeding for FEU but the Archers maintained grip of the game. Almond Vosotros scored a signature triple, his lone made from downtown, to give DLSU a double-digit advantage. Torres even padded it to its largest at 12 with charity shots. FEU made three of four free throws of their own to cut the lead to nine at the i-interval.

Third quarter, 8:00. Timeout DLSU.
DLSU 37-33 FEU

Tolomia is slowly taking charge. His bucket together with their disciplined defense brings FEU closer. Jose and Pogoy did their part too. And with that, Sauler gathered his team.

Third quarter, 2:56. Timeout FEU.
DLSU 48-44 FEU

If there was one mistake the Lasallians would have avoided the most, it’s letting Tolomia erupt offensively for the Tamaraws. His leadership on offense levelled the playing field before Teng lifted his team slightly ahead with four quick points. Racela does not want his team to lose focus, hence the timeout.

End of third quarter.
DLSU 51-52 FEU

The turnaround was completed in 10 minutes. Limited to 26 points in the first 20 minutes, FEU duplicated the feat in half the time. A strong 8-3 finish courtesy of FEU’s aggressive backcourt had the Archers gasping for answers to yet another second half meltdown against the Tamaraws. La Salle earned trips to the stripe but fumbled all six of them.

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Fourth quarter, 4:18. Timeout DLSU.
DLSU 59-67 FEU

Allowing 16 points in almost six minutes of play, the Archers were on the ropes with a first loss in a month and a week looming large. Belo, Iñigo and Jose dealt damage to La Salle’s defense to record their largest lead of the game. Sauler and his troops prepare for their last stand.

Fourth quarter, 1:26. Timeout FEU.
DLSU 66-69

Racela acknowledged after the game that the champions will always make a comeback before the game ends. Once he sensed momentum was swinging La Salle’s way with a 7-2 run, the FEU coach sued for time to send reminders to his team to stay focused. After all, they were still ahead.

Fourth quarter, 48.6.
DLSU 68-69 FEU

Norbert Torres scored an undergoal stab that further reduced the Tamaraws’ lead. Racela grew wary. And so did his team. With possession and the lead, they ought to be careful or else…

Fourth quarter, 14.8. Timeout DLSU.
DLSU 68-71 FEU

It took a few precious seconds before Sargent fouled Tolomia, who stripped the ball off Vosotros following a defensive recovery by the Archers. The fourth year guard made both to restore their lead to three. Sauler draws an offensive play for his last timeout.

Fourth quarter, 8.3. Timeout FEU.
DLSU 70-71 FEU

With a better chance of converting inside than out despite an impressive 60% shooting from downtown, Teng opted for a basket off a drive. He drew contact from Anthony Hargrove but not enough for any of the three whistles to be blown. Racela utilizes last timeout to set a good inbounds play.

Fourth quarter, 7.3.
DLSU 70-74 FEU

Sargent exits the game after fouling Tolomia instantly. Sinking the first free throw, Tolomia rescued the Tamaraws with an alert rebound off his second missed free throw before laying it in whilst every other player was tangled as a result of boxing out each other.

A missed opportunity to corral the ball and make a game-tying three results in a disastrous finish. FEU sweeps DLSU, and more importantly, takes the throne at the summit of UAAP men’s basketball.

Meanwhile, three teams are tied for second with La Salle joining NU and Ateneo, all having 7-3 records.

Next game is on Sunday, 2:00 PM at the Smart Araneta Coliseum against Adamson.

 

Game photos may be viewed by clicking the link below:

DLSU vs. FEU Round 2 [08.27.14]

The scores:
DLSU 70 – Teng 28, Torres 13, Perkins 8, Vosotros 7, van Opstal 5, Sargent 4, Montalbo 3, Rivero 2, Bolick 0, Andrada 0, Tratter 0, Salem 0.

FEU 74 – Tolomia 22, Belo 11, Iñigo 10, Pogoy 7, Escoto 7, Jose 5, Cruz 4, Hargrove 4, Tamsi 4, Dennison 0, Ugsang 0.

Quarter scores: 19-15, 35-26, 51-52, 70-74.

Around the League: How DLSU teams fared in action-packed UAAP weekend

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Six De La Salle teams took part in scintillating UAAP action over the weekend as mixed results peppered the pursuit for a third straight UAAP General Championship. The basketball teams played a game each against Katipunan foes in the middle of the tournaments’ second round while the Shuttlers each had two games to close out their elimination round. It was opening weekend in beach volleyball with La Salle’s representatives eager to finish stronger this season.

Champions keep on winning

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Both defending champions in UAAP men’s and women’s basketball, DLSU’s basketball teams kept their title retention bids healthy after dismantling the UP Fighting Maroons and the Ateneo Lady Eagles this weekend.

The Green Archers started timidly as defensive lapses kept opponents UP down by only single digits in the first half. They launched a third quarter rally that helped them win comfortably in the end, 86-65. The win places them ahead of the pack together with FEU at 7-2 and sets them up nicely for a solo leadership position should they beat the Tamaraws on Wednesday.

Coach Juno Sauler might want his players to start each game like how the Lady Archers did against Ateneo last Sunday. The reigning women’s titlists held the home team to only two points in the first ten minutes of their match in which they led 14-2 at the Blue Eagle Gym.  This early domination dictated the rhythm of the whole match as the Lady Eagles were no longer able to recover. The game ended with La Salle winning 53-37 en route to their eighth win of the season. The ladies will go after their ninth win in their encounter against UE next Saturday.

Photos of this game can be viewed by clicking the link below:

DLSU vs. UP [08.23.14]

Playoff-bound Shuttlers

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A step-ladder format will take place in both men’s and women’s badminton tournaments as NU and UP swept the corresponding events. Not far behind are DLSU’s Green and Lady Shuttlers, who finished just behind them, still soundly positioned in the hunt for the collegiate badminton prize.

The Green Shuttlers entered the weekend unbeaten in five games but knew their streak was under serious threat in facing NU last Saturday. The Bulldogs, unseated by Ateneo last season, took command as they rabidly shut down La Salle, 5-0. It was La Salle’s first loss in UAAP men’s badminton this season. The loss was taken in a positive manner by the team as they won by the same margin last Sunday against FEU.

As a result, the Green Shuttlers hold a twice-to-beat advantage in the semi-finals with a 6-1 record that enables them to finish in second place. Defending champions Ateneo and UP, the team that knocked La Salle out of the Final Four picture last season, will clash for the right to face the Green Shuttlers.

Last year’s runners-up, the Lady Shuttlers, edged UST and Ateneo with 3-2 score lines to close the elimination round strongly.  A rough start threatened to dampen the ladies’ return to the Finals after losing to FEU and UP in their first three games. Last Sunday’s game went down the wire with rookie Arianne Rivera coming from behind against Ateneo’s veteran shuttler Dia Magno in the deciding third singles’ match.

The result puts the Lady Shuttlers tied in second place with their most recent opponents after ending the elimination round with identical 5-2 win-loss records. A rematch of last year’s finals will decide who stays in second on Wednesday, 1:00 PM at the Rizal Memorial Badminton Courts.

Photos of these games can be viewed by clicking the links below: 

DLSU vs. NU Men’s Badminton [08.23.14]

DLSU vs. FEU Men’s Badmiton [08.24.14]

DLSU vs. ADMU Women’s Badminton [08.24.14]

Spikers start campaign in opposite directions

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Their season only began last Saturday but the Green and Lady Spikers already played thrice inside two days of UAAP beach volleyball. Saturday was not a joyful day for both teams as they suffered losses to Ateneo and UST. Last Sunday, the Lady Spikers went unbeaten in two games after defeating champions Adamson, 21-19, 21-17 and UP, 21-17 ,21-17. On the other hand, their men’s counterparts were set back by a couple of stinging losses to FEU 12-21, 10-21 and UP, 14-21,19-21.

Action will resume on Wednesday with the Lady Spikers taking on NU and the Green Spikers gettiing two chances to book an elusive first win against Adamson and UST.

Overall, the performance of DLSU’s teams in the UAAP this season soundly starts the defense of the UAAP General Championship. Although early to tell still, the current showing of the six teams in action looks to motivate the other La Salle varsity teams while undergoing preparations for their upcoming UAAP tournaments.

Photos of these games can be viewed by clicking the links below:

DLSU vs. UST Beach Volleyball Women [08.23.14]

DLSU vs. ADMU Beach Volleyball Men [08.23.14]