The De La Salle University Green Archers booked its ticket to the finals of this year’s FilOil Flying V Hanes Premier Cup tournament by defeating the Southwestern University Cobras, 72-64, on Friday afternoon at the San Juan Arena.
DLSU was down as much as eight in the third period, before a 9-0 run capped off by a Jason Perkins 3-ball and Almond Vosotros lay-up gave them the momentum. La Salle would hold on to its advantage in the fourth period, and go on to book a date with the San Beda Red Lions in the finals.
Vosotros topscored for DLSU, putting up 19 markers to go with five dimes and three boards. Teng pitched out with 14, while Arnold Van Opstal and Norbert Torres had 11 and 12, respectively.
Jasper Parker had 17 points, six rebounds and five assists for the Cobras, while former DLSU guard Mark Tallo contributed 14 markers in the loss.
Thomas Torres, who had seven threes and 23 markers in DLSU’s last game, was limited to just one three-pointer today and three points. Jason Perkins, meanwhile, had just five.
La Salle trailed Southwestern heading into the half, 39-35. However, the guys in green once again lost a near double-digit lead in the second quarter before coming back in the third period.
“It was a hard-fought game,” said DLSU head coach Juno Sauler after the matchup. He also noted that he was disappointed with the team’s offense, as he hoped they would run more on the break.
The victory marked DLSU’s fourth straight over Southwestern, which they swept in last year’s PCCL finals and defeated during the elimination round of the 2014 FilOIl tournament. The victory also awarded DLSU its fourth overall finals appearance in the competition.
The scores:
DLSU 72 – Vosotros 19, Teng 14, N. Torres 12, Van Opstal 11, Perkins 5, Andrada 4, T. Torres 3, Sargent 2, Rivero 2, Montalbo 0, Mustre 0, Bolick 0.
SWU 64 – Parker 17, Tallo 14, Pardo 9, Mohammed 8, Sanjo 4, Goloran 4, Luz 4, Bregondo 4, Aboude 0, Acuno 0.
Quarterscores: 24-16; 35-39; 56-51; 72-64.