First the bad news: Green Archers Team B lost to NU-B, 59-71 in the finals of the Father Martins Cup. La Salle led most of the way, only to falter down the stretch as the Bulldogs flexed their muscles to seize control of the game and pulled away for good.
NU really had it going in the 4th. Mainly composed of UAAP-ready players who are undergoing residency, the Bulldogs capitalized on the Archers’ lack of depth. Come the payoff period, fatigue started to set in for the main stalwarts of La Salle as they could not anymore keep in step with the torrid shooting of NU.
The good news is that LA Revilla has gotten his mojo back and Norbert Torres may just be that steady inside presence the Archers badly need. These two are primed to crack the Team-A lineup next year.
After being out of commission for over 2-years due to health reasons, LA has regained his explosiveness in this tournament. His slashing, hustle and heads-up playmaking were a sight to behold. Who knows how the Green Archers’ fortunes could have changed had he not been sidelined.
Norbert brings toughness in the front court. He plays with a great deal of energy inside, showing a lot of aggressiveness on both ends and also has a soft touch from the perimeter. He is that type who can attract much attention underneath
The Green Archers played minus Dan Sara who was among those instrumental to the team’s run through the tournament. The guard from San Beda High underwent surgery for his fractured nose which he sustained while playing in the FIBA under-18 tournament late last month. Jed Manguerra top-scored for the team yesterday, displaying an array of inside-outside incursions.
The other fixtures in the rotation of coach Tonichi Yturri are Maoi Marcelino, JR Gallarza and Brian Organ. These foreign-based players showed a lot of promise in this tournament. All are still undergoing residency and this gives them the opportunity to further sharpen their game and get accustomed to the physicality and intensity of local college hoops.