Winning against the veteran-laden UP Fighting Maroons is one thing, but the way the Green Archers played today was nothing less than spectacular. The team showed a renewed spirit in their initial outing this season and this certainly gives us supporters something to look forward to this season.
Team captain Simon Atkins may have perhaps played his finest game in the UAAP seniors. He waxed hot early in the match and finished with 20 points. He got able support from Maui Villanueva and Sam Marata with 13 and 10 points respectively.
The Green Archers did about everything that we thought they should do in order to win in our pregame post. They outhustled, outrunned and simply shot the lights out from the perimeter. The team dictated the tempo for most of the game and they eventually pulled away at the latter stages of the third period. The Archers forced UP into a running game which frustrated their half-court execution as they committed 21 turnovers. Rookie Mike Silungan and Woody Co paced the Maroons with 17 points apiece.
And to top off a remarkable game, the Green Archers made 65% of their free-throws. Whatever they did prior to this match, I really hope they continue to do it for the whole season. If they show the same vigor in their succeeding matches, the team can definitely compete this year.
Box Scores
DLSU 80 – Atkins 20, Villanueva, 13, Marata 10, Webb 9, Andrada 7, Dela Paz 6, Vosotros 4, Mendoza 4, Ferdinand 4, Tolentino 3, Reyes 0, Paredes 0
UP – Silungan 17, Co 17, Sison 8, Martin Reyes 6, Manuel 5, Saret 2, Padilla 2, Maniego 2, Lopez 2, Mikee Reyes 1, Juruena 0
Quarter Scores 19-13, 34-31, 56-47, 80-62
