The DLSU Green Archers are back in the Finals of the 17th FilOil EcoOil ECJ Preseason Cup after fending off the Letran Knights.
What was supposed to be comfortable victory for De La Salle University turned into an uncomfortable semifinals win over the Colegio de San Juan de Letran, 91-87, in the 17th FilOil EcoOil ECJ Preseason Cup on Sunday, June 9, at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City.
The Green Archers’ 24-point lead in the second half was erased slowly but surely by the Knights as they forced La Salle to commit several turnovers in the final minutes of the game.
Down 90-84, DLSU’s EJ Gollena committed an offensive foul, which turned into a three-pointer by Jovel Baliling, cutting the lead further to just three points.
From there, the Knights tried to force the Green Archers to commit another mistake, but in the end, Fil-Am guard Lian Ramiro sealed the win with a free-throw in the dying seconds of the game for DLSU.
"That was a good grinded out game for us and I'm sure we learned from those experiences that we give up a big lead, pinapamigay namin. We also most got ourselves shot on the foot there, but again, lessons learned and at the end of the day, as ugly as it goes, we'll take the win," said coach Topex Robinson.
Jonnel Policarpio continued his solid preseason form, leading La Salle with 19 points, 11 of which came in the first quarter alone which helped set the tone for the game.
Policarpio also had nine boards, five assists, and three steals.
Henry Agunnane had 19 points in the win, while Kevin Quiambao added 10 markers for the reigning UAAP champions.
Jonathan Manalili paced Letran with 13 points. Nathan Montecillo and Deo Cuajao added 11 apiece.
With the win, La Salle will square off with the University of the Philippines, who defeated Far Eastern University in the semis, once more in a rematch of the FilOil and UAAP Season 86 Finals.
DLSU 91 — Agunanne 19, Policarpio 19, Gollena 11, Quiambao 10, Ramiro 8, Dungo 6, Abadam 4, Macalalag 4, Austria 4, Marasigan 2, Buenaventura 2, Alian 2, Cortez 0, Gaspay 0, Rubico 0
LETRAN 87 — Manalili 13, Baliling 13, Montecillo 11, Galoy 11, Cuajao 11, Go 8, Jumao-as 6, Nunag 6, Dimaano 6, Pradela 2, Garupil 0, Tangkay 0, Alarcon 0, Brillantes 0
QUARTERS: 33-24, 56-43, 74-56, 91-87