Green Archers’ dominant performance seal victory against Ateneo
The De La Salle University (DLSU) Green Archers demonstrated a commanding win against archrivals, the Ateneo De Manila University (Ateneo) Blue Eagles, 95–67, in today’s PinoyLiga Collegiate Cup matchup at the Enderun Colleges Gym.
Today’s starting game witnessed the much-awaited trio, Kean Baclaan, Jacob Cortez, and Kevin Quiambao, taking the starting lineup. But with Ateneo initiating the game with the first possession, Sean Quitevis secured the initial points for the Blue Eagles. However, Cortez and Henry Ganelato swiftly countered for the Taft-based team, leveling the score at 2-all before a strategic play from the Baclaan-Ganelato duo in the seventh minute nudged the Archers ahead at 6–5. As Ian Espinosa directed Ateneo’s plays, Baclaan widened La Salle’s lead with the help of Henry Agunanne, with the latter converting a three-point play, 17–12. Subsequently, Jared Bahay entered the game at 4:35, but later committed an offensive foul, relinquishing possession to La Salle. Amidst an intense exchange, Raven Cortez pushed La Salle ahead by five points, 19–14. With 45 seconds remaining in the quarter, the Green Archers displayed dominance on offense fueled by Baclaan’s treys, 28–16. Although Bahay narrowed the gap with a final three-point shot, DLSU concluded the first quarter leading by nine points, 28–19.
In the early stages of the second quarter, EJ Gollena applied relentless pressure on Ateneo, making it challenging for the latter to narrow the gap. Although Kyle Gamber sank a crucial three-point shot for the Eagles in an attempt to reduce the deficit, 29–24, Quiambao further extended the lead with a three-pointer, putting them ahead 34–25 with seven minutes remaining. Meanwhile, Mike Phillips added to the scoreline during the fifth minute, keeping Ateneo on the back foot. Despite Ateneo’s efforts to regain momentum, La Salle maintained its dominance, leading 39–27. A pivotal moment then came when Luis Pablo stretched the lead to 21 points with just 29 seconds left in the quarter, 50–29. However, Bahay managed to narrow the gap slightly with a three-pointer just before the end of the second quarter, bringing the score to 50–32 in favor of the Green Archers.
As the third quarter commenced, the momentum initially favored Ateneo, but R. Cortez’s determined effort widened the gap to a twenty-point lead for the Archers, 54–34. As the clock ticked to the sixth minute, La Salle’s entire team showcased unwavering resolve against the Blue Eagles, as Phillips shot further bolstered the advantage, 62–42. Quitevis added a three-pointer, promptly answered by Phillips, maintaining the lead. Ganelato maneuvered past Mason Amos to contribute additional points, extending the lead. Baclaan’s aggressive playstyle propelled the Green and White’s offensive efforts, while Quiambao’s skillful passing set up Pablo for a potential game-changing three-pointer. Surpassing the seventy-point mark, the Archers continued to assert dominance at 72–50, with Baclaan capitalizing on Ateneo’s turnovers, securing more points for La Salle. An impressive reverse layup further solidified the separation, widening it to 31 points, heading into the last quarter, 81–50.
In the fourth quarter, Pablo’s defensive maneuver stifled Ateneo’s offensive efforts, creating difficulties for them in executing plays for a while. As Amos struggled to score points for Ateneo, Quitevis effortlessly sank a layup, but the score margin remained wide, 87–52. With La Salle intensifying their defensive pressure, Ateneo found it challenging to put points on the board as the clock ticked down to six minutes. Despite the pressure, Amos scored a crucial three-pointer, extending the lead to 89–61. Kris Koon even added to Ateneo’s tally with another three-pointer, bringing the score to 91–64. In the final three minutes, J. Cortez continued to contribute points for La Salle along with Quiambao maintaining his offensive dominance, 95–67, soon sealing the victory the Green and White.
Quarter scores: 28–19, 50–32, 81–50, 95–67.
