La Salle clamps down on defense to turn back UE in Filoil pre-season cup

MANILA, Philippines—Arnold Van Opstal stepped up on both ends as La Salle turned back University of the East, 69-62, Saturday in the 2014 Filoil Flying V Hanes Premier Cup at the Arena in San Juan.

Van Opstal finished with 16 points including a crucial putback, catching Almond Vosotros’ missed jumper in the air then turning it to gold for a 65-62 lead with 33 ticks to go.

He then swatted Roi Sumang’s layup attempt in the ensuing play, which was a perfect example of how La Salle clamped down on defense in the fourth.

The Green Archers, letting UE gain momentum the third quarter, held the Red Warriors to just nine measly points in the payoff period while scoring 20.

He also had six rebounds, two assists, and a block to lead the reigning UAAP champions in their first game in the pre-season tournament.

“This game was more of seeing where we are in terms of the months we’ve prepared, to see what we need to fix especially with 2 months before UAAP starts,” said head coach Juno Sauler.

Thomas Torres added 12 points, and Almond Vostros, who nailed the final four points for the Green Archers, chipped in 10.

The Red Warriors, after going toe-to-toe with La Salle for three quarters, suddenly just lost steam, but new coach Derrick Pumaren was satisfied with his players’ performance.

“With just 12 days of practice, I think they got a passing grade for me. Most of them were confused offensively, but defensively we got better.”

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