UAAP Finals, Here We Come!
The DLSU Green Archers delivered a defensive masterpiece at the Araneta Coliseum, dismantling the Adamson Falcons with clinical precision in a commanding 70-55 victory. Fueled by a roaring sea of green, the Archers locked down a finals berth in emphatic fashion, showcasing why they’re the most terrifying force in Season 87.
Motor Mike Phillips wasted no time leading the charge, opening the game with an electrifying rim rocker that brought the house down and tied the score at 9-all early in the first quarter.
That jolting jam ignited a fire that wouldn’t be extinguished.
La Salle immediately clamped down, forcing Adamson to the unfamiliar and the uncomfortable, holding them to a 7-minute scoreless stretch. Lian Ramiro drained a triple off a perfectly timed dish from Josh David to start an 11-2 run to close the quarter at 18-11.
Using that end-of-the-first run as a tipping point, the Green Archers unleashed their signature lockdown defense prompted by accurate reads and thorough preparations. Like a relentless tsunami, they smothered the Falcons, holding them to a jaw-dropping zero field goal in the final 7:29 of the second quarter. La Salle’s length, timing, and long defensive tentacles resulted in a season-high 7 blocks, with countless altered shots, forcing Adamson into desperation late-in-the-shot-clock heaves and turnovers.
La Salle’s dominance extended into the offensive end; sparkplug Matt Rubico shot a perfect 3-for-3 and hauled in two boards in just the second quarter. Combine this effort with David, CJ Austria, and Raven Gonzales, the Archers outscored Adamson 16-1 to end the quarter, walking into the halftime break with a statement 36-17 lead.
The second half began with the same script: fast-switching, swarming defense, and quick-strike offense. La Salle opened the third quarter with a crushing 12-4 run, highlighted by Ramiro’s sharpshooting, Vhoris Marasigan’s inside finishes, and the steady hand of Kevin Quiambao.
By the time La Salle built their largest lead at 58-31, the game was effectively over, and the Archers were already setting their sights on the finals.
Cedrick Manzano managed to stage a late mini-rally for his Adamson team, spearheading an 8-3 spurt to cut the deficit to 63-50, but it was too little, and it was way too late in the game. Quiambao and his company of hungry Archers iced the game with a 7-2 finishing burst, caging the Falcons for good and stamping their ticket to the championship round.
Despite their efforts, Adamson couldn’t overcome their struggles in the spotlight. The Falcons outrebounded La Salle 49-41, including a dominant 19-13 edge on the offensive glass, but they squandered their opportunities with woeful free-throw shooting (7-of-18, 38.9%) and a dismal 32.3% from the field.
On the other hand, the Green Archers proved why they’re finals-bound. Quiambao led the charge with 15 points, 6 boards, and 2 assists, while Phillips adjusted seamlessly to a facilitator role, finishing with 8 points, 8 rebounds, and 5 assists. Ramiro’s timely shooting and Rubico’s energy off the bench added layers to La Salle’s deep arsenal.
Now, it’s a date with destiny as La Salle will square off against the UP Maroons for Game One of the most-awaited finals rematch on December 8, 2024, at 5:30 PM in the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Animo La Salle!
