By Michael Angelo S. Murillo
Senior Reporter
SIMILARLY earning their card on defense, the De La Salle Green Archers know all too well that when they take on the Adamson Soaring Falcons in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines it is going to be a battle.
To face each other for the second time in UAAP Season 81 this weekend, the Archers (5-3) said they are bracing for another close fight with the Falcons (6-2), much like their first joust that was not decided till it went to overtime.
“I think it’s a given that when you play a team that puts defense first in the order it’s going to be a tough battle,” said La Salle coach Louie Gonzalez when asked for his thoughts on their reengagement with Adamson, coached by former Archers champion coach Franz Pumaren.
“Good thing that as far as the schedule we will enter the game like them. We played today (Wednesday) and then on Saturday. Physically and mentally we are on the same level,” said Mr. Gonzalez, referring to both teams playing on Wednesday, Oct. 17, where they beat their respective opponents.
The La Salle coach went on to say that they are viewing the match against Adamson with much significance considering how teams are currently stacked up in the standings.
“We know the importance of that game as far as the race to the playoffs. I’m very focused on the standings right now, not necessarily the opponents but more on our team. We want to get as many wins as we can regardless of who we face,” Mr. Gonzalez said.
FIRST ROUND
In their first encounter on Oct. 13, the Archers and Falcons fought to a slugfest with the former eventually surviving, 79-78, in overtime.
It was tight right from the get-go with both teams showing great resolve to see their respective causes through.
The Falcons held a five-point cushion, 64-59, with three minutes to play in the fourth period but saw it overhauled by the Archers with Santi Santillan and Aljun Melecio conspiring to level the count at 64-all for the remainder of regulation to force overtime.
In extra time, La Salle jump-started things with a 9-0 blast to race to a 73-64 lead.
Adamson though would not go away without a fight, coming to within two points, 77-75, with 18 seconds to go.
But no comeback would go the Falcons’ way as the Archers hang on to book the victory.
Melecio led La Salle with 22 points, going for 8-of-18 shooting from the floor.
Big man Justine Baltazar had a double-double of 16 points and 10 rebounds while Santillan had 16 and nine for La Salle.
Jerrick Ahanmisi, meanwhile, paced Adamson with 27 points while Sean Manganti added 23.
In the ongoing season, the Archers and Falcons are two of the top three defensive teams with La Salle second in points allowed with 70.4 and Adamson third with 71 points per game.
The La Salle-Adamson game is set for 2 p.m. at the Smart Araneta Coliseum to be followed by Ateneo de Manila University versus Far Eastern University at 4 p.m.

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