Hard work takes La Salle a long way in big win over UST in UAAP Season 87

The DLSU Green Archers relied on old-school effort to conquer a revamped UST Growling Tigers squad during their first round encounter in UAAP Season 87 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Sunday, September 29.

Despite trailing by as many as 10 early, La Salle outworked and out hustled UST for the rest of the game to take back-to-back wins, improving to a 5-1 record heading into its Finals rematch against UP next Sunday, October 6.

Led by a spirited effort from Mike Phillips, La Salle dominated rebounding as the Green Archers grabbed 56 boards – almost double UST’s output of 29.

[Related: La Salle crashes the boards to fuel big win over UST in UAAP Season 87]

Their persistent presence in the painted area resulted in 22 offensive rebounds that in turn were converted to 28 second chance points.

In a game where they won by a margin of 21, 88-67, La Salle’s rebounding proved to be the difference maker.

As La Salle head coach Topex Robinson knew how hard the Growling Tigers worked too, this was the effort needed to overcome their spirited opponents.

“Well, I think the key for us this afternoon was we just really tried to outwork them. We know what they're capable of. We know how well-coached that team is,” said Robinson after the victory. 

“They're riding off a very good momentum coming to our game and sabi nga namin our goal right now is to just outwork UST and glad that, you know, we just really did what we're supposed to do this afternoon and we're just fortunate and blessed to get this win.”

La Salle went on a scorching 15-0 run abridging the first and second quarters to seize the lead, 23-18, and from then on, they never looked back.

Phillips’ efforts, coupled with a balanced scoring night with five different Green Archers finishing in double digit scoring, pushed La Salle to a convincing victory where they led by as many as 24 points.

First-year player Alex Konov drilled a triple to push the lead to 88-64 with 31.4 ticks remaining to reach La Salle’s biggest advantage.

Phillips finished with a double-double of 12 points and 18 rebounds while reigning MVP Kevin Quiambao had an all-around game of 10 points, six rebounds, and four assists.

Vhoris Marasigan was a surprise contributor for La Salle as well with 11 points on 4-of-5 shooting.

UST was paced by Nic Cabañero and Forthsky Padrigao with 16 and 15 points, respectively.

The Growling Tigers are now 3-2. They face UP on Wednesday, October 2, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.