DLSU Archers undefeated on Day 1 of the S86 3x3 Basketball Tournament
DLSU Lady Archers
The De La Salle University (DLSU) Lady Archers overruled the University of the East (UE) Lady Warriors, 19–11, earlier today for their UAAP S86 3x3 Women’s Basketball Tournament opener at the Ayala Malls Manila Bay — Activity Center.
The Lady Archers and the Lady Warriors showcased a flurry of steals within a few seconds on the clock before Tricia Mendoza initiated the scoring for La Salle with a precise layup to set the tone for the match. Throughout the first half, the Lady Archers capitalized on opportunities both beyond the arc and in the midrange, while the Lady Warriors struggled with their shooting, 7–5. Although Princess Ganade’s play brought the game level at 7-all, the Lady Archers remained unshaken as Mendoza swiftly seized control of the play and pulled La Salle ahead. Bolstered by the support of Luisa San Juan and Lee Sario, the Lady Archers orchestrated a remarkable turnaround, sinking back-to-back two-pointers with less than four minutes remaining, 12–8. Both Sario and Mendoza emerged as the game’s leading scorers, tallying eight points each, with their precision shots significantly bolstering La Salle’s momentum towards securing their first victory of the day. Despite spirited attempts from both sides to alter the scoreline in the dying moments of the match, the final buzzer sounded with the ball in Sario’s hands, sealing the win for La Salle at 19–11.
Riding on the momentum gained from their previous game against the UE Lady Warriors, the DLSU Lady Archers displayed their dominance once again, edging past the National University (NU) Lady Bulldogs, 16–15, in their second match of the day.
The contest unfolded as a tightly contested battle right from the start, as both teams vied for a breath of air to seize the lead. As a result, the game saw a total of 13 turnovers, but the Lady Archers managed to carve out the largest advantage, leading by six points over NU. Despite statistical contributions from Karl Pingol, Tin Cayabyab, and Boni Solis, who each tallied four points for the Lady Bulldogs, the Lady Archers, under the leadership of San Juan‘s seven points, capitalized on dominance in rebounding, amassing a total of 20 rebounds throughout the match. As the game reached a tense 15-all deadlock, it was Mendoza’s clutch layup with just three seconds remaining on the clock that proved to be La Salle’s saving grace, securing their second victory of the day.
With this win, the DLSU Lady Archers are now in second place in the standings with 35 points, only behind by seven points after the University of Sto. Tomas (UST) Growling Tigresses with 42pts.
DLSU Green Archers
The De La Salle University (DLSU) Green Archers also established early dominance over the National University (NU) Bulldogs, 19–17, to open their campaign for the 3x3 Men’s Basketball Tournament earlier today at the Ayala Malls Manila Bay — Activity Center.
Although NU’s Jolo Manansala initiated scoring for the Bulldogs, CJ Austria’s precision shots from beyond the arc swiftly narrowed the lead to just one, 2–3. Joe Gulapa and Manansala further exerted their dominance in the paint for the Bulldogs by leveraging height advantages early in the contest. However, with a flurry of quick baskets and successful free throws, the Green Archers surged ahead, maintaining a slim two-point lead with less than six minutes remaining. La Salle’s defensive stalwart, Aaron Buensalida, showcased a shot-blocking prowess, while Austria’s sharpshooting consistently thwarted Steve Nash Enriquez’s offensive efforts, 15–14. With less than a minute remaining, Austria extended La Salle’s lead to two with a free throw, 17–15. However, an explosive fadeaway pass from Enriquez to Gulapa forced the game into overtime, deadlocked at 17-all. Determined to assert their dominance, La Salle’s Jonnel Policarpio swiftly capitalized on back-to-back opportunities, including an impressive steal, to establish a lead of 19–17, securing the Green Archers’ first victory of the day.
In the Green Archers’ second matchup of the day against the University of the East (UE) Red Warriors, the game kicked off with another spell of scoring drought. However, Austria reignited La Salle’s offense with a decisive two-pointer to break the stalemate, 2–0. Meanwhile, Welo Lingo-lingo spearheaded UE’s offensive efforts, to counter Austria’s baskets and keep the score close, 5–6, but Austria and Buensalida’s crucial play still managed to nudge La Salle ahead at 10–9, thwarting Keian Spandonis and Lingo-lingo’s attempts from beyond the arc. Although Ethan Galang’s efforts for UE subsequently caused a momentary scare for La Salle after he equalized the game at 11-all, the trio of Policarpio, David, and Austria swiftly reasserted control, releasing a 4–0 run shortly after to lead 17–13. Policarpio’s consecutive baskets further extended the lead to 19–15 with less than a minute remaining and with just 30 seconds left on the clock, Austria showcased his skill with a magnificent jelly layup to cement La Salle’s chances of having a second win. Surprisingly, with less than 30 seconds remaining, Policarpio delivered the decisive blow with a final layup, securing yet another victory for the Green Archers at 21–15.
With this win, the DLSU Green Archers are also currently second in the standings with 40pts, only behind by three after the Adamson University (AdU) Soaring Falcon’s 43pts.
Catch the DLSU Archers as they aim to build their winning streak in their games tomorrow at the same venue:
Lady Archers vs FEU - 2:40 PM
Lady Archers vs UST - 4:20 PM
Green Archers vs UST - 3:00 PM
Green Archers vs UP - 5:40 PM
