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| Photo from Tiebreaker Times |
In the opening game of the UAAP Season 85 men’s basketball season on Saturday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena, the defending champion University of the Philippines had to fight hard to defeat De La Salle University, 72-69.
With 1:36 remaining and La Salle behind by three, Kevin Quiambao, who had a difficult evening, hit a triple to get La Salle within two, 64-66. With 16 seconds left, UP led 70-64 thanks to four straight points from Carl Tamayo and James Spencer.
With 12.2 seconds left, the Green Archers managed to score two fast points via a Mike Phillips putback after Schonny Winston missed, bringing the score to 66-70.
In the subsequent play, Tamayo received the inbound ball, but it slid off his arms and returned to La Salle. With 6.6 seconds left, Evan Nelle converted it into a triple off the board, making the score 69-70.
With four ticks left, Tamayo was then instructed to go to the line. Before Nelle bungled the following play and missed a shot, he made two crucial free throws.
Actually, I just sensed that the defense was becoming stronger, especially in the third quarter. Malaking bagay ‘yung depensa talaga,” said Goldwin Monteverde, head coach of the UP.
Tamayo scored 18 points and grabbed 19 rebounds for a huge double-double. Malick Diouf had nine points and thirteen rebounds.
JD Cagulangan, the star of Season 84, was out due to a hamstring injury, but Terrence Fortea filled in well with 15 points, nine assists, and five rebounds.
When UP takes against Adamson University at 1:00 PM on Wednesday at the PhilSports Arena, it will be looking for its second consecutive victory.
Eight points, 20 rebounds, four blocks, and three steals were contributed by Phillips.
On the other side, the Green Archers will play University of Santo Tomas later that day at 4:30 PM in an attempt to avenge their earlier loss.
The Scores:
UP 72 — Tamayo 18, Fortea 15, Diouf 9, Spencer 8, Lucero 7, Gonzales 7, Alarcon 5, Ramos 3, Abadiano 0, Galinato 0, Torculas 0, Eusebio 0, Lina 0, Calimag 0.
La Salle 69 — Winston 27, Nelle 9, M. Phillips 8, Nonoy 8, Quiambao 5, Austria 4, Manuel 4, Nwankwo 2, Macalalag 2, B. Phillips 0.
Quarterscores: 16-17, 34-42, 50-54, 72-69.
