Simon Atkins and Joseph Marata of DLSU squeezes NU big man Emmanuel Mbe on the defensive end. (Andrew Pamorada/FCF)

Games Saturday (July 30, 2011)
Araneta Coliseum
1:00pm – State U vs. Ateneo
3:00pm – Santo Tomas vs. Far Eastern

GAME SUMMARY

FINAL
(1 – 4)		(2 – 2)
63 – 74
QUARTERS 1 2 3 4 NATIONAL 15 21 13 14 DE LA SALLE 30 29 2 13
STATISTICAL LEADERS POINTS NU Khobuntin 21 DLSU Revilla 19 REBOUNDS NU Khobuntin 7 DLSU Villanueva 6 ASSISTS NU Alolino 3 DLSU Atkins 3
KEY STATS NU DLSU FG (PCT) – 3rd Qtr. 6/13 (46%) 0/10 (0%) 3PT FIELD GOALS (PCT) 0/5 (0%) 5/14 (36%) POINTS – 3rd Qtr. 13 2

To briefly describe this basketball game in a matter of little words would be an understatement. What exactly did we have in this game, now?

A half where a team seemed like they couldn’t miss a shot? Check.

A quarter where they scored only two points – both from the free throw line and not manage to gain a field goal? – Check.

A constant changing of lineups and substitution that would make anyone say, “what?” Check.Nevertheless, the Taft based basketball squad had showed definite brilliance early on led by the comeback kid, LA Revilla who scored 19 points, grab 5 rebounds and stole the ball 6 times as De La Salle University showcased incredible talent and teamwork for the crowd in their 74-63 victory over National University at Philsports Arena in Pasig City.

Sam Marata, another DLSU fan favorite, also backed up Revilla as he drained 4 triples to a total of 12 points. The much advertised Bobby Ray Parks of NU scored 13 points which did not come easy thanks to the handy defense showed by the Green Archers throughout the game.

Despite the great advantages though, there were moments wherein the boys of Taft could not just buy a basket.

After scoring a brilliant total of 59 points in the first half, The Green Archers only scored 2 points in the succeeding quarter before finding their rhythm once again and putting down the Sampaloc-based Bulldogs for good.

Once NU cut the DLSU lead down to 7, 61-54 with 4:30 left in the game, guards Oda Tampus, Luigi Dela Paz and the General, LA Revilla came through in the clutch the put the game out for good and leading the Green Archers back to .500 in the standings, where they currently reside in fifth place.

Tampus and Van Opstal each scored 10 points while Dela Paz complimented the rest of the squad 6 markers. Glenn Khobuntin led the now 1-4 Bulldogs team with 21 points.

The victory was indeed impressive. But the young Archers squad must not get complacent and should keep their motivation high as the climax of the season is slowly approaching. One thing is for sure, this season’s UAAP tournament is going to be one for the ages. (Naveen Ganglani)

BOX SCORES
DE LA SALLE (74): Revilla 19, Marata 12, Van Opstal 10, Tampus 10, Villanueva 9, Dela Paz 6, Vosotros 2, Webb 2, Mendoza 2, Torres 1, Andrada 1, Atkins 0
NATIONAL (63): Khobuntin 21, Parks 13, Ignacio 7, Villamor 6, Mbe 6, Alolino 3, Magat 3, Celiz 2, Terso 2, Eman 0, Javillonar 0, Singh 0
Quarters: 30-15, 59-36, 61-49, 74-63