Archers rebound, escape Tams

MANILA, Philippines — De La Salle University returned to its winning ways after reasserting its mastery over Far Eastern University, 75-73, in the nightcap of Wednesday’s UAAP action at the Big Dome.

Ricci Rivero packed the most punch, delivering on both ends of the court. He tallied 20 points to go with five assists, four boards and four steals. 

Orizu’s dunk with 2.2 left in the game cut the Green Archers’ lead to just a point. 

But the sophomore Rivero, who emptied 12 of his total game points in the second frame alone, sank a free throw to render all of that to naught.

The Tamaraws had a chance to send the game to overtime, but Ron Dennison’s inbound play for Prince Orizu was thwarted by Andrei Caracut.

"Muntik pa,” La Salle’s Miggy Solitaria, who was filling in for head coach Aldin Ayo said. "I think 100 percent of the time we just have to stick to the system. Isang beses, dalawang beses na isang player na hindi mag-stick sa system, talagang nagkakaroon siya ng impact agad eh."

“Like what coach Miggy said, sabi ng coaches namin, just stick to the system. We get our offense through defense talaga,” Rivero said. “Lahat ng nagawa ko from defense siya, from steal or defensive rebound. Siguro nagpe-pay off lang 'yung hard work."

De La Salle’s win propels them back to the win column after they bowed to Ateneo in their first round match last Sunday.

FEU, on the other hand, remains winless over the defending champions.  

The Green Archers take on the Fighting Maroons — who earlier weathered the Growling Tigers — on Sunday. The Tamaraws, though, will carry the burden of dealing the Blue Eagles thir first loss in the top billing.

The scores

DLSU (75) - Rivero R. 20, Mbala 18, Go 14, Rivero P. 8, Caracut 7, Santillan 3, Tratter 3, Montalbo 2, Gonzales 0, Paraiso 0.

FEU (73) - Tuffin 14, Cani 13, Dennison 10, Parker 9, Eboña 8. Escoto 7, Orizu 7, Iñigo 3, Ramirez 2, Stockton 0, Trinidad 0, Comboy 0.

Quarterscores: 18-13, 39-35, 62-56, 75-73