Sauler wants better fourth quarter from Archers

Despite the win, La Salle Coach Juno Sauler wants the Archers to play better, especially in the fourth quarter, when they face UST in a sudden death for the championship in the men’s senior division of UAAP Season 76 on Saturday, Oct. 12, 2013 at the Mall of Asia Arena. Video by INQUIRER.net’s Noy Morcoso lll

MANILA, Philippines — Despite an impressive victory on Saturday, head coach Juno Sauler wants a better finishing kick from La Salle against University of Santo Tomas.

The Green Archers were most assertive on the attack and pushed off every comeback of the Tigers’ for a 77-70 win, forcing a winner-take-all game three in the UAAP men’s basketball finals.

But Sauler wasn’t satisfied with La Salle’s 13-point fourth quarter production, although it kept UST at bay down-the-stretch. The closest UST got in the fourth was seven points.

“Maybe we could have a better output in the 4th quarter. We only scored 13 and that’s our lowest in the ball game,” said Juno Sauler.

“Maybe they were tired because we only used seven players. Maybe my choice was wrong, that’s why they got tired.”

Sauler wanted to keep his rotation tight, with only two players coming off the bench. Nobert Torres had the biggest contribution out of that second squad with 16 points and 10 boards along with three blocks.

The Green Archers, though, still dominated the Tigers in every aspect, from rebounding, second chance, assists and turnovers.

“Everyone played well, it wasn’t just the bigs who contributed on rebounds,” said Sauler.

“We just have to work still. Not only in the basketball aspect but also the mindset on how to play the fourth and close out games,” said Sauler.