The De La Salle Green Archers started 2014 the same way they ended 2013, with a win, as the DLSU Green Archers defeated the University of the East Red Warriors 69-62. The win spoils the debut of former DLSU head coaches Derrick and Dindo Pumaren.
After a quick 7-2 lead by UE to start the game, La Salle went to work and dominated the first quarter for a 20-10 lead, thanks to a strong first quarter by Arnold Van Opstal, who made two “And-1” plays during the opening quarter.
The returning Yutien Andrada also contributed in the first quarter much to the delight of the predominantly green crowd who braved the summer heat to see their beloved Green Archers once again.
The second quarter was a different story, as UE made a run thanks to the amazing plays of Roi Sumang. The first half ended with DLSU enjoying a slim 32-28 lead. The third quarter was all UE as Sumang continued his amazing performance. Most would say that Sumang is now the best point guard in the UAAP today and it is hard to argue with that. The third quarter ended with UE leading 53-49. The Warriors Rookie Foreign Big Man Moustapha Arafat also went to work in the second half. He made his presence felt both offensively and defensively and even made a huge alley-oop dunk much to the delight of the UE crowd.
During the fourth quarter, La Salle showed its maturity and made a rally. It was a close fourth quarter all through out. La Salle had a slim one-point lead during the last 33 seconds when Almond Vosotros shot an air ball. Fortunately, AVO was there to save the day as he grabbed the rebound and made a short stab to give DLSU a 65-62 lead.
Then AVO made a crucial block to give the Archers more breathing room. Vosotros was able to make four crucial free throws down the stretch to seal the win.
Notables: Arnold Van Opstal had an awesome game, scoring 16 points while grabbing six rebounds.
He was the most improve player last year, don’t be surprise if he contends as a Mythical five member for this year, as he is the best local center in the league today. AVO also shot well today, making 6/9 from the field and 4/5 from the line.
Thomas Torres, now the starting point guard, scored 12 points. He also shot well today, 5/9 from the field including 2/4 from the three-point line. However, he only made one assist, and as La Salle’s starting point guard, much is expected from him in the assists department.
Almond Vosotros surprisingly did not take s single three-point shot attempt for this game. He scored 10 points and he made all six of his free throws including four free throws during the dying seconds to seal the win.
Jeron Teng only scored eight points as he struggled from the field with a miserable 3/11 FG shooting and he only made 2/6 free throws, but he did grabbed seven rebounds, and he once again proved that he is clutch by making a crucial field goal during the last two minutes of the contest.
Matt Salem scored five points and grabbed eight rebounds, proving that he is more than just a spot-up shooter.
Yutien Andrada played more minutes than Norbert Torres in this game, and it would be interesting to see if this will continue to be the case as the year progresses on.
Kib Montalbo, who was in and out of the rotation last year, is now the back up point guard. With the loaded point guard lineup of DLSU, let’s see if Thomas and Kib would continue to get most of the minutes for the one spot.
Rookies Paolo Rivero, Jahal Tratter, Terrence Mustre and Julian Tratter played today and although some of them showed flashes of brilliance, none of the stood out for this game.
None of the Archers reached the double-digit mark in rebounding, and that is where DLSU missed Jason Perkins, who sat out for this game. Roy Sumang top scored for UE with 15 points while Arafat scored 12 points. Charles Mammie did not play in this game.
Box Scores:
DLSU (69) – Van Opstal 16, T. Torres 12, Vosotros 10, Teng 8, Salem 5, Andrada 4, Montalbo 4, Rivero 2, N. Torres 2, Tratter 2, Mustre 2,Dela Paz 2, Sargent 0.
UE (62) – Sumang 15, Arafat 12, Gallanza 7, Olayon 7, Palma 6, Javier 5, Varilla 3, Alberto 3, Caparida 2, Charcos 2, Jumao-as 0, De Leon 0, Hernandez 0.
Quarterscores: 20-10; 32-28; 49-53; 69-62.
