The Green Archers are back in the finals for the first time since Season 80.
The De La Salle Green Archers are back in the UAAP men’s basketball finals for the first time in six years after breezing past the NU Bulldogs, 97-73, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.
La Salle seemingly had the momentum from the get-go as they established a solid lead against NU in the first half.
Come the third quarter, the Green Archers pilled on their offensive and defense prowess as they outscored the Bulldogs by 11 points to build a 20-point lead coming into the fourth quarter.
This proved to be the difference as La Salle secured its first finals appearance since UAAP Season 80.
Mark Nonoy led the dominating win for La Salle with 20 points on 8-of-14 shooting. Evan Nelle meanwhile, added 15 points, five rebounds, and eight assists.
The win also continued the Green Archers’ undefeated run since the start of the second round to nine games.
But for coach Topex Robinson, La Salle’s winning streak will not mean much come the finals.
“That nine games games is already done and over with. It brought us to the finals but it’s not gonna define this championship,” Robinson said during the post-game press conference.
“For six years, we haven’t reached the finals so we just want to make sure that we remember what brought us here—the wins, the culture that we built,” he added.
The same sentiment was shared by Nelle, who is playing his final year with La Salle.
“We’re happy but we’re not contented. We got a big challenge up ahead against UP (Fighting Maroons), so stay grounded and prepare for Wednesday,” said Nelle.
Wednesday, Nov 29 will mark the first time that the Fighting Maroons and the Green Archers will be facing off in a championship series in the UAAP.
(CF)