La Salle Green Archers huddle during a game against the FEU Tamaraws in the UAAP Season 85 men’s basketball tournament at Mall of Asia Arena. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines—La Salle’s loss to University of the East on Wednesday served as a huge motivation in its drubbing of Far Eastern University at Mall of Asia Arena on Sunday.
After a shocking loss to the Red Warriors, the Green Archers vented their ire against the Tamaraws, 87-70, to deal them their worst start in the Final Four era with five losses in as many games.
DLSU coach Derrick Pumaren said the Archers shot themselves in the food after taking UE lightly.
“We really did not take care of that game so it was a good bounce back today. I was telling guys that I expect them to come out smoking,” he said, referring to the Archers’ 81-74 upset loss to the Warriors.
This time, the Green Archers showed they’ve learned their lesson as they zoomed to a commanding lead early and never let up.
“If we want to be a top team, we got to be prepared for every game. Whatever game we play, we should be ready. We can’t just be ready for the top teams but every team,” Pumaren said.
Top scorer Schonny Winston also said Wednesday’s loss was a “reality check” for his squad.
“To an extent, it was a reality check for us. It was more of, we can’t take any team lightly. We have to compete every time. We really have to come out and battle every night and be prepared for a dog fight,” Winston admitted.
After scoring a hefty 26 points in their last game, Winston continued his streak of stellar performances with 23 points that went with 14 rebounds, five assists and five steals.
“We got to play every game like we’re battling a team like Ateneo,” he added.
The Green Archers look to get a new streak when they face red-hot National University, which leads the league at 4-1, on Wednesday.