Landing at the top of the standings using the win-over-the-other-rule in hierarchy decisions must be ego boosting to every fan wearing green and white. But before we get carried away, let us remember two things: one, it is only the first round, and second, the next round is utterly unpredictable.
After all, in the UAAP Season 87, every game feels like a battle for supremacy, and every possession could swing momentum like a pendulum.
For DLSU, the first round has been a whirlwind — full of triumphs, lessons learned, and a few nail-biters that had fans on the edge of their seats. Let’s dive into the highlights, lowlights, and everything in between for our beloved Green Archers, while we take a peek at how we stack up against our Final Four rivals: UP, UE, and UST.
WHEN WE ARE HOT FROM THREE, WE ARE UNSTOPPABLE
Offense? Yeah, we’ve got that covered. DLSU ended the first round with an average of 75.57 points per game, the best in the league. Compare that to UP and their 71.57 points, or UE’s 71.86 points, and you can see why the Green Archers have been one of the hardest teams to stop when it comes to putting up numbers. The key? Balance. We’ve had multiple players stepping up on different nights, making us an unpredictable offensive juggernaut.
But we’re not just out here jacking up shots — DLSU’s 32.14% from beyond the arc keeps defenses stretched, while UP and UST lag a bit, shooting 28.14% and 26.19% from deep, respectively. Meanwhile, UE has quietly matched our long-range efficiency at 32.13%, but it’s our inside game that sets us apart. With 230 points in the paint, we’ve bullied our way to the basket better than most.
DEFENSIVELY NOT BAD AT ALL
While offense gets the cheers, defense wins games, and our boys have shown that they can lock down when it counts. DLSU allowed just 64 points per game, tied with UE for the second-best defense in the league. We’re just a shade behind UP’s 63 points, showing that when it comes to keeping teams in check, it’s a toss-up between these three schools. UST, though? They’re giving up a whopping 77 points per game, and that’s where the Tigers have been left exposed.
What makes our defense stand out is how relentless we are in contesting shots — opponents are shooting a paltry 35.17% from the field against us, which is better than both UE and UST. UP, however, is right there with us, holding their opponents to 35.36%. We’re talking about two defensive powerhouses here, and when it comes to those tight, grind-it-out games, it’s a battle of wills between DLSU and UP.
REBOUNDING, WE DOMINATE HERE
There’s no secret formula to rebounding: it’s all about hustle and heart. The Taft Towers have been absolute glass cleaners, grabbing 50.71 boards per game and leading the league by a solid margin. Compare that to UP’s 47.86, UE’s 46.71, and UST’s 45.14, and it’s clear who’s controlling the glass. Our rebounding edge has been pivotal in shutting down second-chance points and igniting our transition game.
TURNOVERS, TURNOVERS, AND TURNOVERS
If there’s one major sore spot for DLSU this season, it’s been the turnovers. The Green Archers are averaging a frustrating 17.14 turnovers per game — the highest in the league. No matter how much firepower we’ve got, you can’t give the ball away that many times and expect smooth sailing. This has been particularly problematic against teams like UP and UE, who’ve feasted on those mistakes, turning them into easy transition points. UP, for instance, is averaging just 14.43 turnovers, showing better control and discipline on the ball. UE isn’t far behind, at 14.86 turnovers, while UST is also a bit turnover-prone with 16.71 per game, but they’ve struggled so much overall that their turnovers feel more like the nail in the coffin than the cause of their issues.
This lack of care with the ball has been the Green Archers’ biggest stumbling block, especially in tight games where each possession matters. It’s an area we’ll need to tighten up in the second round if we want to make a serious push for the championship.
KEY PLAYERS AND MOMENTS
Let’s talk about X-factors for a second. Whether it’s a dagger three from deep or a critical block in crunch time, our roster has been filled with moments that made you leap out of your seat. We’ve seen breakout performances, with veterans leading the charge and younger players embracing their roles. That heart-stopping win over UP? Absolute classic. It had everything — drama, defense, and that late-game push that proved DLSU’s grit under pressure.
As for UE and UST, while they’ve had their moments, they’ve also shown inconsistency. UE’s ability to match our defensive intensity has kept them in games, but their lack of firepower compared to DLSU and UP has been their Achilles’ heel. UST, on the other hand, has struggled to keep pace on both ends of the floor, making them the weakest of the four teams in contention.
And of course, we can’t forget about the assist game — we’re dishing out 21.14 assists per game, best in the UAAP. UP is keeping pace with 20.29, but both UE (18.86) and UST (15.14) lag behind. It’s not just about individual scoring; it’s about team ball, sharing the wealth, and finding the open man. That’s what makes DLSU’s offense hum like a well-oiled machine.
Kevin Quiambao: The Steady Hand
Kevin Quiambao is every bit the reliable centerpiece of the Green Archers’ offense. Over seven games, Quiambao has racked up 115 points, averaging 16.43 per game. He’s been a volume shooter, putting up 51 attempts from beyond the arc and making 16 of them at a 31.37% clip. But where Quiambao really thrives is in the paint, with a 43.64% success rate on two-point field goals. His free-throw shooting has also been solid at 70.37%, giving DLSU that crucial ability to capitalize on fouls.
Defensively, Quiambao pulls his weight with 62 rebounds (49 on defense) and 38 assists. His all-around game is what keeps the Green Archers competitive, though turnovers have been a lingering issue with 23 to his name in this round.
Mike Phillips: The Muscle and the Motor on the Boards
Mike Phillips has been the driving force behind DLSU’s rebounding game. His 81 total rebounds (51 defensive) have been key in preventing second-chance points. Phillips has also added 70 points and is shooting 44.07% from two-point range. However, his new career shift into being a three-point shooter is still an area for improvement (14.29%). Offensively, Phillips could be a more consistent threat if he cleaned up his free throws, shooting just 48.39% from the charity stripe.
Like Quiambao, Phillips struggles with turnovers, recording 17 so far. But his defensive prowess and hustle on the boards are undeniable, with 12 steals and seven blocks to his name.
JC Macalalag: The Efficient Option
One of the more efficient players for DLSU this round has been JC Macalalag. Despite only attempting 28 two-pointers, he’s been highly accurate, hitting 53.57%. He’s averaging 6.86 points per game, contributing in the mid-range and keeping defenses on their toes. Though not gifted with lightning quickness, Macalalag’s consistent play and focus on efficiency help stabilize the Archers’ offense draining crucial shots at the most critical moments. His assist numbers could improve, but his defensive contributions (19 rebounds, 8 steals) are notable.
CJ AUSTRIA: The Necessary Evil
CJ is not liked by opposing fans.
But Archer’s Nation? We love this guy to the moon and back.
Austria is a vital piece in a title-defending team with a huge target on their backs. Teams would look to rough up to measure the ends of toughness until one breaks.
CJ toughens up when the going gets tough, or even when not.
Austria sat out half of the first round and was eased in carefully by Coach Topex. But in the final two games where he was fully utilized, the dynamics of the Archers changed with his presence.
Tougher defensively and more poised under pressure.
OUR POINT GUARD ROTATION: SHOOTERS GOTTA SHOOT
In Season 86, our opponents’ defensive schemes were helpless. Pressuring the interior often left spot-up shooters like Mark Nonoy and Francis TREScandor open. And when everything broke down, Evan Nelle and Mark Nonoy would easily slither around pick-and-rolls for the quick pull up.
Punishing.
For the first six games, that option has been barely there. That is why we struggled. Defensive guards just waited the right time to pick the driving Archer for a transition basket.
But not the UP game. Josh David masterfully weaponized the pick-and-roll and made those defensive drops pay dearly with precisely timed pull-up jumpers.
Early David 3s eventually forced the Maroon defense to spread and gave more space for Motor Mike to sink his interior shots.
EJ Gollena: Sharpshooter with Room to Grow
EJ Gollena brings some spark off the bench with his shooting. Gollena’s 50% from three-point range shows he’s a reliable perimeter threat, and with more opportunities, he could develop into a go-to spot-up shooter. His free throw shooting (70.59%) is another weapon for DLSU in tight games. Gollena’s defensive contributions, with four steals, show he’s not just a one-dimensional player. However, like his teammates, Gollena’s turnovers (13) need to be reduced if DLSU is to tighten their grip on games.
Henry Agunanne: The Missing Piece
Agunanne is DLSU’s answer to size inside, with his 6.43 points per game coming mostly from the paint. His 45 rebounds (19 offensive) and presence as a rim protector with 3 blocks give DLSU some much-needed interior defense. However, his 38.46% shooting from the free-throw line has been costly, and he fumbled the ball often with 18 turnovers; Agunanne needs to find more control when pressured down low.
Areas to Improve: Finding Consistency
Sure, the first round’s been filled with highlights, but there’s still room to tighten things up. There’s been some inconsistency, particularly with outside shooting, and on a few occasions, we’ve let teams hang around longer than they should have. The free-throw shooting? Not exactly our strong suit, with 87/138 from the line. Those points are there for the taking, and in close games, they make all the difference.
This is an area where UP has shown superiority — they’ve been knocking down their free throws at a higher clip, and that could spell trouble if we can’t shore up that part of our game. UE and UST, however, have both struggled with freebies as well, so we’re not alone in this department.
What’s Next?
As we head into Round 2, the goals are clear: keep the pedal to the metal. The Green Archers have the tools, the talent, and the heart to make a deep run, and if we keep building on the momentum from the first round, we’re in for a thrilling second half of the season.
So, buckle up, DLSU fans. The ride’s just getting started, and this starts Saturday against UE at 630pm at the Araneta.
Animo La Salle!!!
