Nonoy goes full blast in season debut against the Bulldogs
by: Lorenzo Gabriel Buenafe
The De La Salle University (DLSU) Green Archers (2–0) new recruit Mark Nonoy made noise in his season debut against the National University (NU) Bulldogs for their second straight victory of the season, 59–55, earlier today at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
A hot showing from Nonoy, who rested DLSU’s encounter with UE due to a hamstring injury, doing it all for the Green and White from hard drives, three-pointers, and crucial steals in the fourth quarter. His offensive firepower extended Green Archers’ lead to seven, 56–49, with 3:04 remaining in the fourth. From then on, La Salle did not turn back and sealed the game, 59–55.
The Bulldogs controlled the pace in the opening tip going 80% in the three-point and mid-range shooting departments. Their effective passing and full-court press also effectively broke down both offense and defense as the Green and White looked lost from the offensive variety of the Bulldogs. Late in the first canto, however, NU racked up their turnovers as DLSU slowly regained control by adjusting their plays and offensive productions from Nonoy and Kurt Lojera, who gave the Taft-based squad a three-point lead, 19–16, to end the quarter.
It was a back and forth affair in the second quarter as both teams struggled to find consistency in their shooting. Lojera managed to force a turnover giving an opportunity for veteran Joaqui Manuel to unload a triple. NU, on the other hand, made adjustments in the latter part of the quarter by switching their defensive pace causing DLSU to commit unforced errors. This allowed the Bulldogs to come back from their deficit in the first quarter to finish the half ahead by one, 30–29.
The NU Bulldogs picked up from their run in the first half as Germi Mahinay’s midrange in the early portion of the 3rd quarter gives a cherry on top to their offensive groove to extend the Bulldogs’ lead to eight, 37–29. Not long after, team captain Justine Baltazar’s putback off a missed free throw attempt from Michael Phillips brought the momentum back to La Salle, 32–37. Both teams walked on tight rope and exchanged baskets, scoring 13 points in the quarter with NU still ahead, 43–42.
Mark Nonoy finished the game with 13 points, 4 assists and 3 steals while Justine Baltazar continues to be a consistent two-way player with 13 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists, and 1 steal.
The DLSU Green Archers look to extend their winning streak as they face the Far Eastern University (FEU) Tamaraws (1–1) on March 31, Thursday 1PM at the SM Mall of Asia Arena to be televised live on One Sports, UAAP Varsity Channel, Cignal Play, and Smart GigaPlay app.
Box Score:
DLSU 59 — Baltazar 13, Nonoy 13, Austria 10, Lojera 7, Manuel 6, Nelle 5, Phillips M. 3, Winston 2, Nwankwo 0, Phillips B. 0, Cuajao 0.
NU 55 — Malonzo 10, Joson 9, Clemente 9, Figueroa 9, Mahinay 6, Enriquez 4, Tibayan 4, Gaye 2, Felicilda 2, Galinato 0, Ildefonso 0, Torres 0, Yu 0, Manansala 0, Minerva 0.
Quarter scores: 19–16, 29–30, 42–43, 59–55.
