Archers ward off Warriors to keep perfect record

MANILA, Philippines – "During the crisis of the game, we just stuck to the system."

 

Prince Rivero's words couldn't be truer for the case of the De La Salle University Green Archers as they weathered a reslient bunch in the University of the East Red Warriors, 84-78, in Wednesday's eventful nightcap.

 

"'Yung system kasi, hindi lang sa isang tao based," Rivero said.

 

After losing coach Aldin Ayo to ejection late in the first half, the Green Archers were dealt with a testy third period that saw the Red Warriors outgunning them 25 to 18. 

 

Nung nawala si coach Aldin, nag-iba talaga. It was tough ... Nawala man si coach physically, he's there with us all throughout the game," Andrei Caracut said.

 

Fortunately for De La Salle, Ben Mbala was his usual dominant self. Already with a double-double in the first half, he continued his stellar outing until the final buzzer sounded, and finished with 19 points and 17 rebounds.

 

Ben Mbala of DLSU splits the UE defense | Philstar.com/Efigenio Toledo IV

 

The third-year Rivero, who had his best game in the season, added 11 markers and eight rebounds. Justine Baltazar tallied his second double-digit showing with 14 points.

 

And just as the Derrick Pumaren-led squad was mounting one last rally to close the gap, the sophomore Caracut dealt the gut punch -- a long-distance triple to stretch a 78-74 advantage and to cap off a nine-point outing along with four rebounds and two dimes.

 

Alvin Pasaol led the Warriors in scoring with 19. He snared 17 boards to finish the game, but it wasn't enough to tow UE out of their 0-6 rut.

 

"Alam naman ng lahat 'yung gagawin," DLSU deputy Louie Gonzales, stepping in for Ayo, said.

 

DLSU skipper Jeron Teng strokes one from the field | Philstar.com/Efigenio Toledo IV