Green Archers whip Falcons; Tigers prevail

ALMOND Vosotros of La Salle (left) goes for a layup past Ryan Monteclaro of Adamson. AUGUST DELA CRUZ

MANILA, Philippines—La Salle lost two star centers to injury yet still walloped Adamson, 67-48, for its third straight triumph in the UAAP men’s basketball tournament Saturday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Kib Montalbo fueled a third-quarter breakaway to finish with a personal-best 18 points for the Green Archers, who easily managed without big men Arnold Van Opstal (achilles injury) and Norbert Torres (sprained ankle).

Rookie center Prince Rivero also stepped up with 12 points and six rebounds as the defending champion Archers coasted to the 19-point rout despite getting little contribution from aces Jeron Teng and Jason Perkins.

“There was a lack of energy from the first group, which I saw coming off the bench with Prince, Julian (Sargent), Robert (Bolick) and even Yutien (Andrada),” said La Salle coach Juno Sauler.

Earlier, University of Santo Tomas dropped a 20-0 bomb in the last seven minutes to turn back University of the Philippines, 73-57, and grab a share of second at 3-1.

Karim Abdul buried 18 points and grabbed eight rebounds, while Louie Vigil shot 17 as the duo spearheaded the Tigers’ late rally after trailing the Maroons by as many as 11 points, 24-35, in the first half.

“Our shooting in the first three quarters didn’t click,” said UST coach Bong dela Cruz. “We tried to be patient and it paid off in the fourth quarter.”

The scores:

First Game

UST 73—Abdul 18, Vigil 17, Mariano 10,Ferrer 9, Daquioag 7, Subido 5, Sheriff 4, Lao 2, Gayosa 1, Basibas 0, Lo 0, Macasaet 0, Pe 0, Sablan 0.

UP 57—Moralde 15, Asilum 10, Gallarza 10,Reyes 8, Lao 6, Amar 5, Dario 2, Vito 1, Gingerich 0, Juruena 0, Harris 0.

Quarters: 14-19, 36-39, 53-50, 73-57

Second Game

LA SALLE 67—Montalbo 18, Rivero 12, Sargent 8, Vosotros 8, Tratter 7, Andrada 6, Bolick 4, Perkins 2, Teng 2, Mustre 0, Salem 0.

ADAMSON 48—Rios 11, Iñigo 9, Monteclaro 9, Villanueva 8, Barrera 4, Ochea 3, Aquino 2, Nalos 2, Pedrosa 0, Trollano 0.

Quarters: 13-8, 23-18, 45-29, 67-48