Archers down Tigers; Lions rip Maroons

MANILA, Philippines — The De La Salle Green Archers made an early statement with a 72-49 demolition of the fancied University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigers on opening day of the Filoil Flying V Preseason Cup.

La Salle came out and played terrific defense by hounding UST’s perimeter shooters and making life difficult for entry passes for big men Dave Ando and Soulemane Chabi Yo.

After Beninese forward Chabi Yo scored on a putback for a 21-18 UST lead, La Salle blanked the Growling Tigers in the next five minutes while scoring 15 straight points to make it 33-21.

Come the third period, UST was held to one field goal in the first eight minutes and 32 seconds. The Growling Tigers made six points but all from the free throw line. La Salle outscored UST, 17-8, in the third period to further stretch their lead, 56-35, and leave the outcome beyond a doubt.

Later in the day, three-time defending NCAA champions San Beda turned back University of the Philippines, 75-66.

Donald Tankoua scored a game high 24 points and added 11 rebounds in leading the Red Lions past a UP team that has been beefed up by the acquisition of Ricci Rivero and Kobe Paras.

But the Maroons were without brother Javi and Juan Gomez De Liano and Jun Manzo, and the squad lost some steam when Rivero fouled out with a minute left in the third period.

Rivero and Paras each scored 18 points. with James Spencer adding 14.