SWU stuns La Salle in PCCL Final Four

MANILA, Philippines — Melvin Holper fired two triples in the final three minutes as Southwestern University shocked UAAP champion De La Salle University, 68-58, in overtime at the start of the single round-robin Final Four of the PCCL Monday at the Blue Eagle Gym.

Holper, younger brother of former Barangay Ginebra swingman Mike, hit his first three in extra time to put the Cesafi runner-up Cobras on top by five before drilling in his second trey that made it, 64-58, with just 2:06 to go.

“A win against UAAP champion La Salle is an honor,” said SWU head coach Yayoy Alcoseba.

Holper finished with nine points on three-of-three shooting from long range with three rebounds in 14 minutes. Holper’s first three of the game also came timely as it gave SWU a 44-43 edge at the 6:57 mark of the fourth period after playing catchup majority of the game.

Guard Monbert Arong led the Cobras in scoring with 17 points, including a dagger of a trey that widened his team’s gap to nine, 67-58, with only 1:16 remaining.

“I told the guys that when you step on the court don’t think that you don’t have a chance,” Alcoseba added.

Arong had 12 points, six each in the second and third quarter, that kept SWU in striking distance.

Forward Jeron Teng forced extra session, 52-all, after splitting his charities with 45.8 seconds left but overall had an abysmal game — shooting just one-of-10 from the field — with measly seven points.

The Green Archers shot just 26% from the field and only two-of-eight in OT while the Cobras made six out of their eight shots in the final five minutes.

Flashy guard Mark Tallo had 13 points, six rebounds and six assists while playing against his former team La Salle.

Import Landry Sanjo had 11 points, 13 rebounds and four blocks for the Cobras, who will be pitted against perennial NCAA champion San Beda on Tuesday at the Arena in San Juan.

Thomas Torres led La Salle with 12 points while Jason Perkins scored 10 points and grabbed 13 rebounds.