UAAP: La Salle shuts down UST for 3rd win

MANILA, Philippines—De La Salle finished off its first round campaign with a 92-77 beating of University of Santo Tomas in the UAAP Season 82 men’s basketball tournament Saturday at Mall of Asia Arena.

The Green Archers recovered from their 72-71 loss to University of the Philippines and improved to a 3-4 record to climb to fifth place while the Growling Tigers slipped to 4-3.

Using a solid second quarter where they led by 42-32, the Green Archers pulled away and never let the usually-fiery Growling Tigers get momentum.

Justine Baltazar’s hook shot put La Salle up 78-61 late in the fourth, effectively putting the game to bed.

POST-GAME INTERVIEW

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“We were due to win. When our team follows the game plan, trust that results will follow,” said La Salle head coach Gian Nazario. “This time around we made sure we woul finish the game well.”

Encho Serrano finished with a career-high 29 points with five rebounds to lead the Green Archers while Aljun Melecio put up 26 points and dished out five assists.

Brent Paraiso, who played for La Salle in Season 80, led the Growling Tigers with 22 points and six rebounds while Soulemane Chabiyo added 16 points and 14 rebounds.