DE LA SALLE outgunned rival Ateneo, 83-78, in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines Season 85 men’s basketball tournament Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
It was the Green Archers’ first win against their rival since Game Two of the Season 80 Finals— breaking a seven-game skid against the Blue Eagles.
“The boys really worked hard. They believe they can beat Ateneo. Even though we were down, we were able to regroup in the second quarter,” De La Salle coach Derrick Pumaren said. “Hats off to my guys I told them to never doubt that we can match up against Ateneo.”
Trailing by three, De La Salle went on a 12-3 blast capped by Schonny Winston’s jumper to take a six-point lead with 1:42 left, 79-73.
Forthsky Padrigao buried a triple to pull Ateneo within three before Winston answered with another jumper, 81-76, with 1:19 to go.
Kai Ballungay moved Ateneo to within three anew but the Blue Eagles failed to convert in the ensuing possessions as Evan Nelle iced the game from the line.
Winston unloaded 25 points to go with five rebounds, six assists and two steals for the Green Archers.
Nelle had 10 points while Raven Cortez was efficient in his 11 minutes with eight points and two blocks.
Ange Kouame had 22 points, but none of those came in the fourth quarter, along with 12 rebounds and four blocks. Ballungay had his best game with 19 points and 10 rebounds.
Padrigao shot poorly from the field, going 2-of-18 to finish with just seven points.
De La Salle improved to 2-1, joining National University and Ateneo for joint second.