UE no longer a pushover admits head coach Topex Robinson, as his Green Archers were once again challenged by the Red Warriors in UAAP Season 87.
It took the DLSU Green Archers all they had to overcome a rejuvenated UE Red Warriors squad, avenging their first round loss with a 77-68 decision in UAAP Season 87 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Saturday.
As reigning MVP Kevin Quiambao nursed illness during their game, La Salle head coach Topex Robinson said that the Green Archers had to be reminded that it will take more than minimum effort to beat this Red Warriors team.
With the days of UE in the cellar of UAAP gone, the defending champions needed to be in tip-top shape to emerge victorious against their first-round tormenters.
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“The players really fought well. They know the experience of losing to UE. We just rekindled that and we just reminded them that it’s gonna take a lot to really beat this well-coached team. Credit to coach Jack,” said Robinson.
“The guys just didn’t give up and kept on fighting.”
La Salle only really pulled away late in the fourth quarter, even after going on an unanswered 11-0 run at the tail-end of the third canto to take control of an otherwise close game.
Led by a determined John Abate and the ever-reliable Precious Momowei, the Red Warriors were always within striking distance.
It didn’t help that Quiambao struggled mightily — especially in the first half.
Fortunately, there was the steady presence of Mike Phillips, who finished with 27 points and 17 rebounds.
Not only that, role players like JC Macalalag and Vhoris Marasigan also stepped up as they chipped in 10 markers each to power La Salle to victory.
La Salle moved like the champion team that they are, which was exactly what they needed to do after having to fight back from deficits until late in the third quarter when it was a back-and-forth affair.
Momowei and Abate were the main contributors for UE in the losing effort. Momowei finished with 21 points, nine rebounds, two steals, and two blocks.
Abate, for his part, had 11 points, four assists, two boards, one steal, and one block.
After stopping the red-hot UE, La Salle now faces the next challenge of the season — having to keep the momentum as the champs now own the longest active win streak in the tournament after winning four in a row.
They face the UST Growling Tigers on Wednesday, October 16, at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.