La Salle shoots down FEU, stakes Filoil crown in finals
Jeron Teng Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
Defending champions De La Salle University advanced to the final round of the Filoil Flying V Hanes Preseason Premier Cup after cruising past Far Eastern University, 84-71, Friday at Arena in San Juan City.
It was a virtual drubbing from the Green Archers as they made the Tamaraws stationary figurines for their target practice.
La Salle shot a respectable 52 percent from the field while holding down FEU to a dismal 33 percent.
Even with a well-balanced attack from his players, Green Archers head coach Juno Sauler doesn’t want his team to become complacent.
“It’s not only about defending the title but it’s more of developing the team,” said Sauler who was more focused on the upcoming UAAP season. “We have to work on things.”
FEU came to as close as eight, 67-59, when Richard Escoto drained a layup midway through the fourth quarter.
La Salle, however, responded with a 10-3 run with Jeron Teng bullying the Tamaraws for easy layups in transition and gave the Green Archers a 77-62 lead with 2:36 remaining in the game.
Sauler hopes his players can still develop in time for the UAAP.
Teng led La Salle with 19 points, but on 7-of-22 shooting, while Thomas Torres had an 18-point, 10-rebound, 6-assist performance.
Roger Pogoy paced the Tamaraws with 22 points. RC
