THE DLSU Green Archers crushed the UST Growling Tigers, 100-69, in their UAAP Season 86 men’s basketball tournament second-round opener at the Mall of Asia Arena on Wednesday, Oct. 25.
MVP frontrunner Kevin Quiambao steered La Salle with an all-around performance of 22 points, 12 rebounds, six assists, five steals, and one block.
With UST down by two in the first frame, 11-9, La Salle went on an 18-12 run to build an eight-point cushion heading into the second quarter.
La Salle took advantage of Christian Manaytay’s foul trouble after the UST forward was called for his fourth foul at the 6:18 mark of the second frame.
The Green Archers then widened their lead to 14 at halftime after a 23-17 second quarter capped by a Bright Nwanko layup and a Quiambao triple.
UST could not resolve its offensive struggles, allowing La Salle to cruise to a 23-11 third quarter and mount a massive 26-point lead heading into the payoff period, 75-49.
UST co-captain Nic Cabañero and Manaytay led the Tigers anew with 13 and 10 points, respectively. However, both struggled offensively, combining for 10 made field goals out of 29 attempts.
La Salle outperformed UST from beyond the arc, sinking 11 of 29 three-point attempts. The Tigers only converted four of their 15 attempts.
The Green Archers also capitalized on UST’s 20 turnovers, scoring 33 off them.
UST’s second unit was heavily outscored by La Salle’s bench mob, 60-34.
The Green Archers’ size advantage was evident as they outrebounded UST, 53-37. They had 20 offensive rebounds.
DLSU big men Jonnel Policarpio and Raven Cortez scored 14 and 13 points, respectively, while Evan Nelle had a double-double of 11 points and 10 assists.The Growling Tigers will next face the UE Red Warriors at the same venue on Saturday, Oct. 28, at 2 p.m. Ernest Martin G. Tuazon
