Green Archers maintain perfect 3x3 record, seal playoff appearance after Day 3
The De La Salle University (DLSU) Green Archers pushed their 3x3 tournament record up to 6–0 with two convincing victories on the third day of competition against the Far Eastern University (FEU) Tamaraws and the Ateneo de Manila University (Ateneo) Blue Eagles earlier today at the Ayala Malls Manila Bay Activity Center. DLSU pulled off a 21–16 victory against FEU in their opening game of the weekend before dismantling Ateneo by double digits with a 21–9 score. La Salle’s victories kept them first in the standings as the only team without a single loss so far and guaranteed them a spot in the playoff round regardless of their last game’s outcome.
Earl Abadam, CJ Austria, and Jonnel Policarpio started off well against FEU, taking the lead early in what would become an otherwise close affair. The trio used the halfcourt setup to their advantage and focused on getting clean looks inside the arc to challenge FEU’s shooting from the distance. Austria, the Season 85 3x3 tournament MVP, once again proved why the halfcourt is his comfort zone with ten huge points on an efficient 62.5% from the field and 83.3% from the charity stripe. La Salle pulled away late and finally took their fifth victory after Austria successfully drew contact on his shot and sank the resulting free throw.
In their second game, this time against collegiate rivals Ateneo, the Green Archers put on a show in what became a lopsided outing. La Salle’s defense combined with the Blue Eagles’ shooting woes led the Green-and-White to an 8–0 lead by the 7:30 mark. DLSU found success with their shots after initiating contact which often resulted in more free throw opportunities. Similar to how the earlier game ended, Austria iced the matchup with a free throw for La Salle’s 21st and final point. Aaron Buensalida, who had minimal contribution against FEU, took over against Ateneo with a game-high eight points to go with seven rebounds and three steals on a productive 70% shooting clip.
“For me, one game at a time. Tomorrow may elimination game pa kaming isa, after nun ‘yung Final Four. Step by step, sana makuha namin ‘yung semis tapos ‘yung championship syempre kasi ‘yun naman ‘yung goal namin,” commented Austria on DLSU’s seemingly invincible 6–0 start.
Support the Green Archers in their final elimination round match against the Adamson University (AdU) Soaring Falcons tomorrow, May 5, 12:40 PM, at the same venue.
