Mentioning Kyle and Nikko Paranada, Rey Remogat and Ethan Galang, would be enough to send any avid La Salle Green Archers fan into panic attack. A real one. Cold sweats caused by trauma-enabling flashbacks.
PTSD. A real one.
We will never ever forget how the Paranada siblings suddenly transformed into Steph and Klay, drained an avalanche of threes, overhauled a 67-59 lead with a 22-5 run, and eventually upset contender DLSU in Season 85.
Just when we thought the nightmare was over after the Paranadas changed zip codes, they overcame a double digit lead to beat FEU in their last game. The formula, the same endless beyond the arc conversions.
With these, one powerful lesson was learned, never take any team like UE lightly.
La Salle comes into this game with a clear advantage in several key areas, but the Red Warriors are no strangers to scrapping for every possession. Here’s why we believe La Salle is primed to take control of this contest, breaking down the action using the very stats that have defined both teams so far.
The Battle in the Paint: La Salle’s Territory
La Salle has shown they can muscle through defenses when it comes to dominating the painted area. With 38 points in the paint during their last big game, the Green Archers are ranked among the top paint scorers in the league. UE, on the other hand, has struggled, managing only 32 points in their best performance. The edge here belongs to La Salle, and expect our big men to impose their will early and often.
Watch out for our ability to draw contact and finish around the rim. La Salle’s aggressive approach is bound to test UE’s interior defense, which has shown cracks under pressure. The Red Warriors have been susceptible to high percentage looks inside, and if we get rolling, it could spell trouble for them. Think of it as a statement: the paint is Green Archer territory.
La Salle’s Defensive Tenacity vs. UE’s Turnovers
One key area to keep an eye on is points off turnovers. La Salle is lethal when it comes to capitalizing on opponents’ mistakes, averaging 20 points off turnovers. Meanwhile, UE has been prone to coughing up the ball, particularly in critical moments—they’ve surrendered up to 13 points from turnovers in their previous matchups.
The combination of La Salle’s high-pressure defense and UE’s ball-handling struggles sets the stage for a potential blowout. Look for our guards to disrupt passing lanes and convert those steals into fast-break opportunities. In a game like this, the Red Warriors can’t afford to be sloppy, but if they are, you know the Green Archers will make them pay.
But the Taft boys have to take care of the ball as well. Being the league leader in turning the ball over 20 times per game on average is not a pretty stat.
Fast Break Frenzy: Speed is Key
La Salle’s offense thrives in transition, and while our 12 fast break points in a previous game might not seem like much, the pace we play with sets us apart. UE has managed 13 fast break points at their peak, but they simply don’t have the same consistency pushing the tempo.
Expect the Green Archers to dictate the pace of the game. UE loves to slow things down, but La Salle excels when the game is fast and chaotic. If our guards can get out and run, those fast break points will start piling up.
Starters vs. Bench Battle
Let’s talk about depth. La Salle’s starters have been phenomenal, pouring in 46 points in our last high-scoring outing. UE’s starters also had a strong game with 49 points, but that’s where the comparison stops. When it comes to the bench, the Red Warriors fall short—22 points from their reserves won’t be enough to counter La Salle’s firepower.
UE’s lack of depth could become a major problem, especially in the second half. Our bench, capable of putting up 38 points, brings energy and hustle that UE simply won’t match. Expect Coach Topex to rotate early, knowing that our depth could wear them down.
This would mean more rotation minutes for the Doys Dungos and Vhon Marasigans of the bench as the run and gun Archers will try to wear down the Red Warriors.
Foul Trouble: La Salle’s Discipline
We need to keep a close eye on fouls. La Salle’s average of 26 fouls per game has been a concern, but this match presents an opportunity for improvement. UE’s high foul count of 25 shows that they are just as vulnerable, and if we can stay composed, we’ll have the advantage at the free throw line. In fact, La Salle has shot 81% from the line in their best showing, so any trips to the charity stripe should favor the Green Archers.
Key Matchups to Watch
The Paint Battle: With La Salle averaging 38 points in the paint, look for our frontcourt to assert dominance early against a UE defense that has been shaky at times. UE’s Precious Momowei is no pushover inside and has topped the Red Warriors in scoring and rebounds. On the Archers’ side, Henry Aguname is still getting acclimated to UAAP physicality.
Transition Game: La Salle thrives in transition, and if UE gets caught sleeping, expect fast-break points to pile up.
Turnover Game: UE’s struggles with ball control could fuel La Salle’s transition attack, a key to stretching out a lead.
FINAL NOTE
The DLSU Green Archers and the UE Red Warriors are definitely on the opposite sides of the UAAP power rankings.
But we have been here before.
Don’t relax those guns because you think you have a weak opponent.
Grab that throat from the get-go and fight until the game is finished.
ANIMO LA SALLE
