Andrew Pamorada | FCF
Despite learning at the last-minute of a ruling that allowed big man Charles Mammie to suit up, the boys of De La Salle University still managed to pull out tricks hidden up their sleeve.
DLSU put up a perfect 6-for-6 shooting from the field during the extra session to overturn University of the East’s challenge, 75-65, in the continuation of the UAAP Season 76 men’s basketball tournament at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum on Wednesday night.
Led by Jason Perkins’ 22 points, including a perfect 3-for-3 shooting night from 3-point territory, the Green Archers now move up to tie Far Eastern University in second place following the day’s matches.
“It was very difficult coming into this game. The gameplan was based on the personnel who you were expecting to be playing. All of a sudden, just an hour before (the game), we had to change our mindset,” said De La Salle head coach Juno Sauler.
“It was really difficult today. But I have to hand it to the players, they were able to adjust given the amount of time that we have to talk about it inside the locker room.”
Trailing through most of the nip-and-tuck contest, the Green Archers finally took a slim one-point lead on Perkins’ foul line jumper with 13.9 seconds left to give them a 56-54 lead.
But Norbert Torres was unaware that DLSU was already in the penalty and fouled UE guard Roi Sumang, who managed a split on the foul line to send the game to an extra five minutes.
Then, the Taft Avenue-based squad finally pulled away, firing from all cylinders led by Jeron Teng’s nine points during the overtime session.
Despite the loss, UE coach Boycie Zamar still looked at the game in a postive light to give his young wards valuable lessons.
“As a coach, I will always be a teacher to them. Not a tormentor. I will always guide them,” said Zamar.
Sumang, despite playing with an injured left knee sustained in their previous game against National University, topscored with JM Noble for UE, finishing with 17 points apiece in their third straight setback.
Andrew Pamorada | FCF
In the day’s matinee matchup, National University demolished a listless University of the Philippines, 79-62, to secure the first berth in the Final Four.
Bobby Ray Parks, who exploded for 14 points in the first period, finished with 30 points, 10 rebounds, and five assists in the contest to lead all scorers. Emmanuel Mbe added 14 points and 13 rebounds in dominating the shaded lane.
“We didn’t want to take UP lightly. We’re heading into the final four. That’s one step forward for us,” said NU head coach Eric Altamirano following the contest. “Again, we still have two games and we have to be ready for them.”
In those two games, they will be facing tough opposition — a streaking De La Salle, and five-time defending champions Ateneo de Manila.
“(DLSU and Ateneo) are two great teams, and we’ll treat them the same way we entered this game (against UP). We need to prepare very hard and very well,” said Parks.
Raul Soyud scored 17 points and secured 12 caroms, while Joseph Marata tallied 13 points in another losing cause.
