Win #8! (for Aug 25)

Archers Warp Sinking Maroons

De La Salle University made whipping boys out of the young University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons, 89-61, at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium on August 25. Just like in the first round, the outcome was settled as early as the first quarter with the Green Archers limiting UP to four points in the first seven minutes. The highest lead was at 36 with a Jvee Casio incursion, 63-27, 6:12 of the third.

“I do not think it is even a gauge,” remarked DLSU coach Franz Pumaren. “UP lost their competitive spirit and they were just going through the motions.”

Five Archers scored in double figures with Casio leading with 17 points on 7/14 shooting, while handing off four assists plus a block. PJ Walsham had 14, while Brian Ilad scored ten in the first period to finish with 13, eight rebounds, two blocks, and four turnovers.

TY Tang produced 12 markers and seven feeds, Rico Maierhofer had a double-double with ten on 3/3 field goal shooting and 12, swatting two Maroon attempts along the way.

The Taft-based crew totaled 21 assists, nine steals, 16 fastbreak points, 23 turnover points, while committing just 15 errors.

VJ Serios headed the Diliman-based squad with 15 points and nine caroms. Michael Gamboa had 11, three assists, and six booboos. Miguel de Asis also finished with 11 markers.

The Archers are on a three-game romp for 8-3, distancing themselves further from the pack. State is still winless in nine tries.

“It is in our hands to make the top two spots,” Pumaren mentioned. “I like where we are right now.”

The green and white would have a week’s rest before encountering National University on September 2 at the Araneta Coliseum. The Maroons have Far Eastern University next on tap on August 30 at the Big Dome.