Green Archers fall short to gutsy Blue Eagles
The De La Salle University (DLSU) Green Archers succumb anew to archrivals Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU) Blue Eagles, 68–75, in the second round of the UAAP Season 84, earlier today at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
Kurt Lojera’s 21 and Evan Nelle’s 20 markers were not enough to counter Ateneo’s third-quarter onslaught, leading to as much as 17 points after maintaining a close game before the half.
It was a chess match from the get-go, with La Salle staying within a possession until five quick points by Evan Nelle tied the game at 15-all, and a made freethrow by Michael Phillips gave his team a taste of the lead, 18–17. Both teams went all out, but Ateneo was in front, 20–18, at the end of the first.
The Green Archers took advantage of Ange Kouame’s early foul trouble and racked up extra possessions that helped the Taft-based squad to be within striking distance of the defending champions. There was only one instance where Ateneo led by two possessions, but a Nelle trey and Kurt Lojera baseline jumper shifted the momentum to the Green side. Several deadlocks and lead changes after, La Salle was behind by three, 32–35, going into the half.
Contrary to the performance earlier, La Salle had troubles with Kouame’s return at the head of the third. An unsportsmanlike foul on Manuel put his team into early penalty with seven minutes remaining, which shifted the momentum to the Katipunan side. From then on, Ateneo’s lead ballooned to 15, 53–38, off a 16–2 run in three minutes following a barrage of treys from the Blue Eagles. The Taft-based squad continued to struggle converting field goals, trailing by 13, 47–60, after three quarters of play.
A similar story unfolded in the fourth canto, with DLSU losing focus and getting frustrated by non-calls. Nelle’s long bomb inched La Salle closer to within 11, 60–71. His team had a difficult time breaking the 11-pt barrier as Ateneo remained trouble throughout the fourth. Nelle and Lojera’s aggression attempted to keep the Green and White within contention, but the mighty Eagles proved too strong for the Green Archers, conceding the game, 68–75.
This loss brings La Salle to (5–3), while Ateneo remains undefeated at (8–0).
Catch the Green Archers as they attempt to bounceback against the UST Growling Tigers next Tuesday, April 19 12:30pm, at the same venue.
Boxscore:
DLSU 68 — Lojera 21, Nelle 20, Winston 10, Baltazar 10, M.Phillips 3, Nonoy 3, Manuel 1
ADMU 75 — Belangel 15, Mamuyac 15, Ildefonso 9, Andrade 9, Kouame 7, Tio 6, Verano 4, Koon 4, Daves 4, Chiu 2
Quarterscores: 18–21, 32–35, 47–60, 68–75
