DLSU forward Jeron Teng. Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
De La Salle stringed its first back-to-back victories in the UAAP Season 78 men’s basketball tournament, stifling a pesky University of the East squad, 71-64, Sunday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
After leading by as much as 17, 58-41, UE went on a 15-2 tear to get to as close as four, 60-56 with 5:15 left to play before Jeron Teng, Andrei Caracut, and Thomas Torres came through for the Green Archers late as La Salle escaped with their third win of the season.
Caracut, the prized rookie, dropped 11 of his 16 points in the payoff period, that went with five rebounds and three assists. Teng also had 16 markers on top of seven boards while Larry Muyang posted a double-double with 11 points and 11 rebounds for La Salle, which improved to 3-2.
“It’s a hard win. UE kept battling in the last minute. It’s a great effort from all the boys, not giving up and playing until the final second,” said coach Juno Sauler after his wards made a living at the charity stripe going 24-of-35.
The Red Warriors mounted a rally late but their momentum was derailed after a double foul was called on Archers forward Jason Perkins and Nick Abanto and a technical foul was slapped on their guard Von Batiller.
Batiller, who has been a revelation for UE, was held to his lowest output of the season with two points. Abanto led UE (2-4) with 14 points and eight boards.
The Scores:
LA SALLE 71 – Caracut 16, Teng 16, Muyang 11, Torres 8, Torralba 7, Perkins 6, Sargent 5, Navarro 2, Rivero 0, Tratter 0.
UE 64 – Abanto 14, De Leon 12, Charcos 8, P. Varilla 7, Palma 5, Penuela 5, Javier 4, Derige 3, Batiller 2, Gagate 2, Yu 2, Manalang 0, Sta. Ana 0.
Quarters: 17-16, 32-26, 51-41, 71-64.