The defending champs Green Archers fashioned out a hair-raising ending to edge the tenacious NU Bulldogs, 78-75 yesterday at the Araneta Coliseum. It wasn’t the ideal start to the Green Archers’ title defense, but a win is a win. Last year’s MVP Kevin Quiambao played the fireman’s role, as he almost singlehandedly willed the Archers to victory, sinking clutch triples and facilitating plays in the crucial closing minutes.
The ecstatic Archer crowd was chanting MVP! MVP! MVP! as Kevin Quiambao, S86 MVP, was on the charity stripe to shoot a freethrow. This was after an “and-one” play giving the Archers a 2-point lead with 1:35 left in the clock. After making the free throws, he sank a clutch triple with 9.8 seconds left for the winning margin.
The Archers were down most of the game, as the NU Bulldogs scored heavily in the paint, forcing adjustments from Coach Topex and the DLSU squad. However, despite the NU pressure, slow offensive grind and miscues, the Archers showcased their championship composure when it counted.
In the opening quarter, the Archers initially controlled the pace and led by as many as 5 pts by end of 1st quarter despite shooting poorly from the field. Most attempts of the team were taken after series of good passes, but connecting to the basket seemed to be a challenge predicated by NU physical defense. Some of this was due to the absence of 2 of our key playmakers from s86, Evan Nelle and Mark Nonoy, but our rookie guards and active communication on the court able to fill the gap. In some instances, the offense was seen dictated on the half-court by our key veterans, a sight rarely seen last season.
In the 2nd quarter, the NU Bulldogs took the initiative, despite the absence of student import, Mohammed Diassana was helped off due to to a 1st quarter injury. The slow-start on the offensive end also continue in this period allowing the Bulldogs to use an 8-0 run to grab the lead at the early stage of the quarter. A series of exchanges then occurred as the coaching staff started shuffling players a lot, with unusual line-up at one point with 3 bigs and 2 wings on the floor. In the closing seconds of the 1st half, NU was up by 3-points and it was no surprise that KQ requested for an isolation play.
Clock winding down, KQ dribbling beyond the arc, did a short head shake and a jab step to signal possible drive to the basket forced the defender to jump just a split second early to allow KQ to do a sidestep and shoot with just enough space to make the 3 and tie the half 45-all.
The DLSU crowd just went wild after that play and much cheering was heard with a couple of Archers raising their fists in support of our players donning the green-and-white jersey!
In the 2nd half, the Archers had a hot start opening the period with a three on top of the arc. However, to the dismay of the fans, consistency and steadiness in ball distribution on the offensive end started to slow again. A noteworthy move was the early rest given to EJ Gollena, despite being his being effective at that time. Most of the 3rd and 4th quarters were dominated by NU’s offensive prowess, up until the last 3-minute mark of the game, where we saw KQ once again take over. 2:53 minutes left on the clock with the game tied. KQ took control of the ball and took advantage of a screen to force NU pg Enriquez to lose his footing thanks to a Mike Phillips screen.
KQ used that crucial second to set for his trey, which predictably fell through the net. Just like that the Archers led by 3! The Bulldogs then piled on the offensive pressure but could not make any shot, and at the buzzer, KQ and the Archers took the W and finished the game on top.
What went well?
The Archer’s excellent perimeter defense and unselfish plays were what kept the Bulldogs at bay, despite their stellar offensive showcase.
Perimeter defense, which was seen to hound the Archers in seasons past, was seen to be the Archers main defensive asset in this game. Our players harassed the Bulldogs on the perimeter, and ran back to prevent transition shots. The 3-point attempts were also mostly challenged, and worth noting were the coverage.
DLSU fouls were also used at critical moments, particularly in the closing seconds to prevent NU from setting up for a shot to tie the game.
Consistency on offensive connection definitely needs improvement but what is worth highlighting is the Archer’s “maturity” in trying to distribute the ball. We saw a number of touches before an attempt was made following the premise that a great open shot is better than a good shot. r KQ will always our main offensive threat this season but seeing the Archers play team composed basketball despite trailing most of the game is what makes this season exciting and promising!
What needs to be improved?
The playmaking could stand some improvement, but veterans David and Ramiro help mitigate the loss of Nelle and Nonoy.
Defense underneath the paint, was lacking, to say the least. It was noteworthy that the Bulldogs dominated scoring in the paint despite the Archers height advantage even with the early sidelining of NU’s FSA. Our inside defense should improve in the succeeding games otherwise this may prove to be our Achilles heel so adjustments really need to be made.
What’s next?
Overall, the aim to defend and bring the crown back to Taft should be taken 1 step at a time. Players attitude in game, despite trailing most of the time, is worth commending. The coaches and players actively attempting to huddle on deadlocks and short-open opportunities were also seen multiple times in game. Indeed there is still room for improvements, but overall the pros outweigh the cons in this game!
Up next the Archers will face the Adamson Falcons, who also hold a 1-0 record after winning against FEU Tamaraws. The game will be on Wednesday, September 11 at 4:30pm in the Araneta, the game can be seen live at One Sports Plus!
ANIMO LA SALLE!
