De La Salle University maintains an unblemished record in the season, overpowering Ateneo de Manila University in a highly anticipated match-up.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, November 18) — The De La Salle University Green Archers have likely secured a twice-to-beat advantage in the Final Four stage after defeating longtime rival Ateneo De Manila University Blue Eagles in a tight match, 72-69, in the UAAP Season 86 men’s basketball tournament on Saturday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
DLSU extended its winning streak to eight games, taking its current record to 11 wins and three losses.
The match was neck and neck, with the Eagles taking the first quarter, 17-14.
However, DLSU rallied back in the second and third, eventually closing off the game with a three point lead.
Most Valuable Player frontrunner Kevin Quiambao led the Archers scoring regimen with 14 markers, nine rebounds, and six assists. He even landed all four of his free-throw attempts.
For his performance, Quiambao was crowned player of the game.
Taft-based cagers Evan Nelle, Michael Phillips, and Mark Nonoy each scored 10 points apiece.
The three also made five rebounds, six assists; 14 rebounds, four assists; and four rebounds, one assist, respectively.
Meanwhile, on the Blue team, Nigerian transferee Joseph Obasa led the Eagles’ offensive with 21 points and nine rebounds.
Fellow eagles Kai Ballungay and Mason Amos stood out, too, with 12 points, five rebounds, one assist; and 10 points, three rebounds, respectively.
The Archers’ win and current streak likely mean that they will take the twice-to-beat advantage in the Final Four.
On Sunday, the National University (NU) Bulldogs will go toe-to-toe with the University of the Philippines (UP) Fighting Maroons.
Two outcomes loom based on the upcoming matchup:
If UP beats NU, the Fighting Maroons take top spot, meaning the Archers would face the Bulldogs for number two ranking and the remaining twice-to-beat advantage. If NU bests UP, DLSU takes first seed.