Lady Archers yield to Navy in PBL Semifinals Game 1
The De La Salle University (DLSU) Lady Archers, with their twice-to-beat advantage, failed to secure Game 1 of the Pinay Ballers League (PBL) Semifinals against the Philippine Navy Lady Sailors Go for Gold, 57–72, yesterday, September 7, at the Boost Basketball Court in Caloocan City.
The Lady Archers got off to a strong start, with Lee Sario stepping up and serving as the Lady Archers’ trailblazer, sinking a trey to commence the game. However, the Lady Sailors made it known that they are not about to give in early with Trixie Antiquera answering back with a three of her own. The Lady Sailors gained enough confidence from their successful attempt to challenge the Lady Archers to a duel. Baskets were falling on both sides of the court until Sario capped the clash with another three-pointer to regain the lead for La Salle, 14–11. To conclude the quarter, Sario and Dela Paz combined for a 5–0 run, giving them a six-point lead against Navy, 21–15.
The second quarter proved to be difficult for the teams, where both becoming aggressive, leading to an increase in steals and turnovers. Due to the amped up defense play, the game saw both squads convert less baskets towards the half. After a period of drought and with Joehanna Arciga cornered, Kreecie Binaohan got a hold of the ball and converted a three-point attempt to increase the Archers’ lead to five, 33–28. With less than 20 seconds remaining, the Lady Sailors forced a DLSU turnover and brought them in striking distance, 32–33.
The Lady Sailors’ claimed the lead with a Janelle Mendoza three-pointer, 36–35, but Ysabel Jimenez quickly responded to hold the opponent at bay. The game then reached a deadlock at 39-all courtesy of a Marizze Tongco’s layup, but a couple miscommunications from the Lady Archers prevented them from expanding their lead over the Lady Sailors. The opposing squad further increased their aggressiveness on the court, committing more steals and preventing the Lady Archers from scoring. Arciga and Borja fired the final shots for their respective teams, bringing the quarter to an intense 47-all scoreline at the end of third.
The Lady Sailors pressed the Lady Archers even harder in the fourth quarter, converting their defensive approach that haunted the Green and White. Capitalizing on the latter’s errors, the Lady Sailors reversed their first quarter performances, 49–47. A 9–0 run headed by Marizze Tongco further extended Navy’s advantage over La Salle, 58-49 . Proving that the Lady Archers cannot take this kind of play from the Lady Sailors, Charmine Torres responded two straight baskets, but Afril Bernardino came back to give the Sailors a seven-point lead, 60–53. The Lady Sailors led by double digits after a 6–0 run until Lady Archer Beatrix Dalisay hit a triple in attempts to bring her team closer. Unfortunately, Jeehan Ahmed shot the Lady Archers’ final arrow with one free throw, while the Lady Sailors proved that they are not done with the yet, going on a 6–0 run to end the game at 57–72.
The Lady Sailors surpassed the Lady Archers in the steal game, executing a total of 12 steals as compared to the La Salle’s five.
The Lady Archers look forward to securing their spot in the PBL finals as they go head-to-head once more with the Philippine Navy Lady Sailors Go for Gold on Saturday, September 10, 7:45AM at the same venue.
Box scores:
DLSU 57 — Sario 13, Torres 11, Dalisay 8, Binaohan 7, Arciga 5, Jimenez 4, Ahmed 3, Dela Paz 2, Niantchotcudo 2, San Juan 2, Camba 0
NAVY 72 — Mendoza 15, Bernardino 14, Antiquera 11, Borja 7, Mateo 6, Tongco 5, Polindey 5, De Castro 4, Ong 4, Mercado 0, Brillante 0
Quarter scores: 21–15, 33–32, 47–47, 57–72
