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| LA Revilla looks down as his Archers surrender the opening game to the Tamaraws. (image by Leslie Sy/GoArchers.com) |
FEU Tamaraws over DLSU Green Archers, 74-65
How does that old adage go?
Ah, yes.
It’s not how you start is it? It’s how you end.
Coach Dindo Pumaren of DLSU planned on limiting Season 73 MVP RR Garcia to less than 10 points throughout the game. He felt he could live with the other Tamaraws trying to beat La Salle as long as Garcia’s production was hampered.
And for one half the Archers were reasonably successful at that, falling behind by just two, 35-33 after 2 quarters.
And then FEU’s ace reminded everyone why he’s so valuable.
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| RR Garcia hit the "On" switch in time to leave the Archers in the dust. (image by Leslie Sy/GoArchers.com) |
Garcia scored just 4 points in the first 20 minutes of Season 74, but he poured in 17 points, including 3 triples, to lead the Tamaraw charge in the 2nd half. He hit the big shots that deflated DLSU’s repeated rallies, eventually helping the Tamaraws kick off their redemption campaign on a good note.
The Archers actually began the game shooting well, outscoring FEU 9-3 to open hostilities on the strength of comeback kid LA Revilla and the hot hands of Luigi de la Paz and Simon Atkins. Pumaren’s wards also did a good job containing Garcia as FEU’s Bert Flores opted to produce points from other sources like JR Cawaling and Season 73 ROY, Terrence Romeo. La Salle wasn’t able to hold serve, however, as FEU played quality basketball to tie it all up at 18 by the initial period’s end.
The second quarter saw several lead changes as both squads dove and wrestled for the loose balls and extra possessions. Revilla scored 10 of his 18 markers in the first two quarters to help the Taft quintet stay in step with the Moraytans. He finished strong, too, scoring 7 points in the final canto in one last-ditch effort to steal the game from FEU. Unfortunately, it was all for naught.
Garcia was ably supported by Aldrech Ramos and Cawaling, finishing with 16 and 10 points respectively. Mark Bringas and Carl Cruz combined for 14 points in place of the injured Pipo Noundou. All in all, the Tams just had more weapons, and they exposed a glaring flaw in La Salle’s gameplan – for all their talent, they don’t have that one guy who can light it up at the drop of a hat like the Archers of old (JV Casio, Renren Ritualo, and Mac Cardona come to mind).
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| Arnold Van Opstal fouled out in his Seniors Division debut. (image by Leslie Sy/GoArchers.com) |
Revilla was great, but I doubt if he can produce 18 points in every game. He reminds me of a nouveau TY Tang – a good facilitator and above-average scorer, but he’ll need other people to score considerably if Gang Green hopes to reap the victories. La Salle’s fans had hoped newcomer Norbert Torres would be one of those guys, but the Fil-Canadian finished with just 4 points. His low-post partner, Arnold Van Opstal, also had a not-so-auspicious debut with just 5 markers to his name. Wingmen Luigi de la Paz and Jarelan Tampus combined for 17 points, but more than that is needed if DLSU is to make their fans proud in their centennial year.
On the other end of the floor, it was nice seeing Cawaling with renewed vigor. He hit a crucial three to douse the DLSU rally in the 4th quarter, and seemed more aggressive throughout. He made up for Romeo making just 6 points, and if he continues his good play, then FEU might have a stronger-than-expected showing.
But even if he flounders anew, the Tams should still do well, considering Garcia’s ability to turn on the jets in a snap. He might’ve needed a whole half to get into the groove, but in the end Ryan proved again that the hardwood is his personal roost.
FEU 74 - Garcia 21, Ramos, 16, Cawaling 10, Cruz 9, Romeo 6, Bringas 5, Tolomia 3, Escoto 2, Exciminiano 2, Knuttel 0, Pogoy 0, Sentcheu 0
DLSU 65 - Revilla 18, de la Paz 9, Tampus 8, Van Opstal 5, Webb 5, Andrada 4, Marata 4, Torres 4, Atkins 2, Gotladera 2, Vosotros 2, Mendoza 1, Villanueva 1, Paredes 0, Sara 0
QS: 18-18, 35-33, 52-45, 74-65
4 Comment
pare, you still think dlsu will finish at the top 4? Even before this game I doubted it (may halong wishful thinking din from my end hehe). ADU showed us that they had one of the top coaches in the land, FEU was still deep after all and NU has Ray Parks. Remember, NU took DLSU to OT this summer even without Mbe. And that guy gave DLSU some headaches last season (almost 20-20 if I remember it right).
BalasYes. DLSU will make it. They'll get their act together and maybe win anywhere between 7-10 games. Good enough for a Final 4. NU will be tough and I won't be surprised if they really threaten for a Final 4 slot, but I still think they're a year away. Mbe wasn't there over the summer, which will probably create chemistry issues in the team. He'll put up great numbers, and so will Parks, but with a young and raw supporting cast? I'll still bet on AdMU, FEU, AdU & DLSU in the Final 4.
BalasFair points, but agree to disagree :) More importantly, one big fight!
Balasyeah haha basta we beat them all! :) sana! OBF!
Balas