Green Archers fall to the mighty Fighting Maroons

The De La Salle University (DLSU) Green Archers bow down to the University of the Philippines (UP) Fighting Maroons, 69–72, in the second round of the UAAP Season 84, earlier today at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.

A 10–0 run from the Taft-based squad in the dying minutes of the game was not enough as UP prevented a game-tying three-pointer from Mark Nonoy who was overwhelmed with emotions after failing to convert.

A fourth quarter offensive boost from Fighting Maroon super rookie Carl Tamayo widened the gap between the resilient Green Archers, as his strong inside game allowed him to score multiple points in the paint garnering a total of 23 points and 11 rebounds by the end of the game.

From the get-go, DLSU was able to set the pace with Nonoy getting the first points of the game with a corner three. UP had a hard time with the DLSU pressure before eventually converting a three-pointer of their own. Not long after, the UP Fighting Maroons found their groove through second opportunities courtesy of center Maodo Diouf’s offensive rebounds and Tamayo drawing fouls to get multiple free throw attempts. At the end of the first, La Salle trailed by one, 18–19.

The second quarter went even better for the Maroons as they found their way in defense, rebounding as well as making a bunch of three-pointers to extend the UP lead to 10, 32–22. This caused multiple turnovers for the Archers with UP taking advantage of their errors by making them pay with a transition trey and dunks from Diouf and Ricci Rivero.

Offensive adjustments from the Green Archers in the third frame headed by Kurt Lojera was made evident with multiple shot opportunities from cuts allowing him to draw fouls and convert layups. La Salle trimmed the lead to a single-digit, 49–56.

This win by UP gives them their 9th (9–2) win as well as a final four berth while the Green Archers falls to 7–4. The Green and White looks to bounce back on April 26 Tuesday 10AM as they face the FEU Tamaraws.

Boxscores:

DLSU 69— Baltazar 16, Winston 16, Lojera 13, M.Phillips 8, Nelle 7, Nonoy 7, B.Phillips 2, Manuel 0, Escandor 0, Nwankwo 0, Cuajao 0

UP 72— Tamayo 23, Diouf 15, Rivero 11, Lucero 9, Fortea 8, Cagulangan 4, Spencer 2, Abadiano 0, Cansino 0, Alarcon 0, Lina 0

Quarterscores: 17–18, 31–42, 49–56, 69–72