Green Archers dominate Letran, secure Semifinals berth
The De La Salle University (DLSU) Green Archers dominated the Colegio de San Juan de Letran (CSJL) Knights, 101–79, yesterday in their Quarterfinals game of the FilOil EcoOil 16th Preseason Cup at the FilOil EcoOil Centre. With this win, the Green Archers secure a Semifinals berth against the NU Bulldogs.
At the start of the first quarter, both teams experienced a period of low scoring due to missed attempts. Green Archers team captain Evan Nelle, who had previously missed the game against St. Clare, made his presence known by scoring a three-point shot early on, 5–4. As the game intensified, Kevin Quiambao made a strong start by also scoring a three-pointer, bringing the score to 8–6, which Letran Knight Kurt Reyson promptly responded with a trey of his own, equalizing the score at 8-all. Just before the three-minute mark, the Green Archers took the lead sparked by a trey from Quiambao and a putback by Earl Abadam, 15–14. As the first quarter came to an end, the Letran Knights came close to winning with a layup by Javillonar, 16–15. However, the Green Archers were determined not to lose responding with a 7–0 scoring run courtesy of EJ Gollena, Michael Philipps, and Quiambao, with the latter sinking another dunk and extending their lead. Kyle Tolentino ended the first quarter with another point from underneath the basket, 23–18.
The second quarter began with Santos scoring free throws and Quiambao delivering a powerful dunk, 25–20. Both teams were successful in sinking treys as La Salle recovered from their earlier missed attempts in the previous quarter. Mark Nonoy eventually made a three-point shot of his own, bringing the score to 40–36, and completing a personal scoring run of 5–3 with a layup. In the meantime, Javellonar consistently kept the Knights close behind La Salle, only to be thwarted by Nelle’s three-point shot, 44–41. The exchange of successful three-pointers continued on both sides of the court, until Nonoy scored an open three-point shot, making it 49–46 with less than a minute remaining on the clock. The first half concluded with Phillips adding another putback, 52–45.
The third quarter commenced with an electrifying display from both teams as baskets were consistently made on both ends of the court. Veejay David played a crucial role in extending the lead, resulting in a score of 58–47, igniting a renewed momentum for the Archers. Joaquin Manuel also followed suit by scoring layups and free throws, taking advantage of Letran’s unfortunate drought at the free-throw line. The Knights’ string of unfortunate misses was compounded by Quiambao’s remarkable performance, scoring consecutive points and widening the lead to a whopping twenty points, 69–49. As the clock ticked down to less than a minute, a long verdict resulted in an unsportsmanlike foul on Letran’s Tolentino and a technical foul on coach Topex Robinson, 74–61, concluding the quarter and leaving the team clad in green with a sizeable advantage.
Continuing the blazing momentum from the previous quarter, King Archer Evan Nelle, kick-started the fourth quarter with a trey, 77–63. The Green Archers maintained their offensive onslaught as JC Macalalag scored consecutive baskets, including an impressive steal followed by a pass from Quiambao, 81–64. Nonoy added to the Green Archers’ offensive dominance with a trey from the corner, extending their advantage to 84–64, as Letran struggled to overcome their plague. Throughout the final quarter, La Salle maintained a double-digit lead, exuding confidence despite a few missed opportunities, while Letran found it increasingly challenging to bridge the gap. Jonnel Policarpio’s consecutive baskets further solidified La Salle’s control, establishing a commanding 96–76 lead and securing a 20-point cushion. As the final seconds dwindled on the clock, Tolentino managed to make some late shots for the Knights, but Nelle sealed the Quarterfinal game with a final bucket, concluding the match with a score of 101–79.
Kevin Quiambao was La Salle’s best scorer with 23 points and was hailed Player of the Game. The Green Archers will be advancing to the Semifinals of the FilOil EcoOil 16th Preseason Cup against the NU Bulldogs on June 19 at the FilOil EcoOil Centre.
Box scores:
DLSU 101—Quiambao 23, Nonoy 18, Nelle 12, Austria 7, Phillips, M. 6, Macalalag 6, Policarpio 6, Manuel 6, David 4, Abadam 4, Gollena 4, Cortez 2, Nwankwo 2, Escandor 1, Phillips, B. 0
CSJL 79 — Reyson 17, Monje 11, Javillonar 10, Tolentino 9, Cuajao 9, Geloy 7, Santos 6, Bojorcelo 4, Guarino 2, Nunag 2, Morales 2, Brillantes 0, Bautista 0, Go 0
Quarter scores: 23–18, 52–45, 74–61, 101–79
