LA SALLE kicked off its second-round campaign yesterday with a victory that coach Gee Abanilla described as “comfortable.”
Jeron Teng fueled the Green Archers’ early run before big men Arnold Van Opstal and Norbert Torres took over as La Salle blasted University of the East, 73-52, in the UAAP men’s basketball tournament at Mall of Asia Arena.
“I think this is our first comfortable win because all our games were close,” said La Salle coach Gee Abanilla. “It gave us a chance to experiment with some players.”
Teng, the rookie sensation who exploded for 35 points in his previous outing, collected 16 points, 10 rebounds and three blocks.
The Archers pulled off the huge win despite the absence of starters LA Revilla and Yutien Andrada, who both sat out due to ankle sprain.
“I’m happy a lot of guys responded,” said Abanilla.
Van Opstal delivered his best game yet with 12 markers and eight boards while Torres had an all-around game of 10 points, 11 rebounds, three assists and a couple of blocks.
“I’m trying to get my rhythm, hopefully I can keep it up,” said Van Opstal, the 6-foot-9 center who was sidelined last year due to a hamstring injury.
The Archers moved up to a share of fourth with idle National University at 4-3, while dealing the Warriors their seventh loss in eight matches.
“It was a good win for us,” said Abanilla. “I think we really needed this win, we can’t afford to be left behind in the team standings. I’m happy a lot of our guys responded.”
The Archers also spoiled the debut of new UE coach David “Boycie” Zamar, who replaced Jerry Codiñera just last Thursday.
“It’s unfair to judge coach Boycie in this game because no matter what happens, it will be a period of adjustment for them,” said Abanilla. “They didn’t run the usual plays, because of course, coach Boycie has a different system.”
Zamar, who had mentored the Warriors for three seasons starting in 2001, said he hopes to bring back the Warriors’ winning attitude.
“It’s a matter of hitting them in the heart right away,” said Zamar. “The heart is difficult to teach, because the technical is already there. For us to be fighting until the last minute, that’s what I want to see.”
The Warriors stayed within striking distance for three quarters behind Roi Sumang and Gene Belleza, before the Archers pulled away behind a 17-6 scoring outburst at the start of the fourth period to take a 67-47 lead.
Sumang paced the Warriors with 17 points and seven rebounds, while Belleza added 16 points, including seven straight in the third quarter when they trimmed the deficit to 43-37.
The scores:
LA SALLE 73—Teng 16, Van Opstal 12, N. Torres 10, Vosotros 8, Mendoza 8, Webb 7, T. Torres 4, Manguera 4, Reyes 2, Paredes 2, Tallo 0, Dela Paz 0.
UE 52—Sumang 17, Belleza 16, Javier 8, Flores 5, Alberto 2, Santos 2, Hernandez 2, Sumido 0, Villarias 0, Valdez 0, Galanza 0, Duran 0, Duncil 0.
Quarters: 15-16, 31-24, 50-41, 73-52