Green Archers nail dominant win against Ateneo
The De La Salle University (DLSU) Green Archers showcased a dominant performance in the 17th FilOil EcoOil Preseason Cup after securing a decisive victory over their arch-rivals, the Ateneo De Manila University (Ateneo) Blue Eagles, 98–61, earlier today at the FilOil EcoOil Center.
Earl Abadam kicked off the scoring for the Archers with a three-pointer at 9:40 on the clock. Lian Ramiro then followed up by sparking the team’s momentum with a three-point play from a foul, pushing the score to 6–0. The Green Archers then extended the advantage to double digits as Andrei Dungo added to the lead with an easy layup, quickly matched by Kevin Quiambao’s identical play, 10–0. Although the Eagles got their first point from a Joshua Lazaro free throw, Quiambao responded with another three-pointer, underscoring the Archers’ dominance in this high-intensity game. At 6:45, Ian Espinosa hit a three-pointer, making it 15–5, and Nathan Amos also scored a three-pointer with 4:05 remaining, but Henry Agunnane tipped in an easy basket to bring the score to 22–7. With an exchange of three-pointers and layups, JC Macalalag contributed a long two-pointer before the Taft-based squad widened the lead to 20 points, courtesy of Jared Bahay’s three-pointer in the final 15 seconds to seal the quarter for La Salle, 35–15.
Into the second quarter, CJ Austria started the action with a three-pointer from the corner at 8:55, and soon after, Jonnel Policarpio and Raven Cortez executed a successful two-man play, 40–15. Ramiro then showcased a spin move against Ateneo’s defenders, further adding to the lead with a score of 44–17 at the seven-minute mark. Quiambao followed through with an easy floater, and the Austria-Quiambao connection resulted in another score, with Austria assisting Quiambao for a tip-in. Quiambao continued to dominate the court, cutting through Ateneo’s defense and pushing La Salle to a commanding 52–17 lead with five minutes remaining. Despite missed three-pointers and rebounds from the Eagles, the Archers capitalized with effective three-pointers and free throws to keep their distance. Lazaro’s basket for the Eagles in the final two minutes sparked a duel between Bahay and Dungo as the two traded three-pointers before Quiambao‘s dunk ended the charade and extended the lead to 62–28. Finally, Abadam drained a three-pointer with 28 seconds left, to seal the first half at 65–30.
Quiambao ignited the third canto with a three-pointer, quickly followed by a step-back jumper from Lazaro at 9:10, to bring the score to 68–32. Abadam then sank another three-pointer for the Archers, maintaining their momentum before Lazaro responded with a bank shot, pushing the score to 73–34 at the 7:50 mark. Demonstrating leadership and dominance on the court, Quiambao added another three-pointer with 5:19 remaining. Austria further extended the Archers’ lead to 84–38 after assisting Dungo in making a three-pointer. Kris Koon then navigated through La Salle’s defenders to complete a three-point play, adjusting the score to 85–41, before the quarter soon concluded with a score of 85–43.
At the start of the final quarter, Bahay sank another three-pointer, while Vhoris Marasigan added to the tally with a three-point play, bringing the score to 87–49. On the Eagles’ side, Kyle Gamber attempted to close the gap with a pull-up jumper and a floater, adjusting the score to 87–53 but then Ethan Alian joined in on the action as he contributed to La Salle’s commanding 39-point lead. In the last four minutes, Gamber scored three more points for Ateneo but it was R. Cortez who concluded the game after delivering back-to-back baskets and solidifying the Green Archers’ dominant lead with a final score of 98–61.
The Green Archers are set to extend their winning streak as they go against the FEU Tamaraws on Monday, June 3, 5 PM, at the same venue.
Quarter scores: 35–15, 65–30, 85–43, 98–61
