PCCL: De La Salle edges out UST

MANILA, Philippines—Behind a balanced attack, De La Salle escaped an undermanned University of Santo Tomas, 72-67, Monday in the Philippine Collegiate Champions League at the Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan.

Joshua Webb, who is slowly emerging as the focal point under the Green Archers new system, led the team with 16 points on seven-of-nine shooting from the field.

“Right now, what we’re trying to do is to maximize the players’ skills,” said new DLSU coach Gee Abanilla.

Almond Vosotros collected 13 points, six rebounds and four assists off the bench while Luigi de la Paz had 12 points for the Archers, who will face the Letran Knights in the next round Tuesday.

UST had the chance to force extra session but Louie Vigil’s three-point attempt got swatted away by big man Norbert Torres.

Vosotros set the final tally with two free throws.

The Growling Tigers, who placed fourth in the UAAP, missed the services of their two main guys in Jeric Fortuna and Jeric Teng due to national team commitments.

“I’m really happy with this win. Those two guys are the main players of UST, we’re just lucky to get this win,” Abanilla added.

Kevin Ferrer, a former Philippine Youth member, single-handedly tried to carry UST but his 23 points, 16 of which coming in the first half, still fell short.

Karim Abdul was defended well by La Salle’s bigs as the Cameroonian center scored measly five points.

La Salle led by 10, 64-54, to start the fourth quarter but lost its steam with UST’s defensive pressure clicking.

The Archers were held without a field goal in the last 4:32 of the game and only scored again with 10.6 seconds remaining on a Joseph Marata free throw for a 70-67 edge.