Green Archers Tame Red Lions

The De La Salle Green Archers’ defensive effort derailed the San Beda Red Lions’ hopes of reaching the preseason finals with a  50-46 victory over the current NCAA Defending Champions, in 2012 FilOil Flying V Pre-Season at The Arena in San Juan City and will face the NU Bulldogs in a winner take all match on  Philippine Independence Day, June 12, 2012.

 The 6-foot-7 Norbert Torres made his presence felt in the shaded line by piling up 12 points and grabbing 10 rebounds to give the Green Archers seven wins in 10 games.

 “It [the game] turned out very physical because both teams wanted to win,” said the sophomore center Torres, who also had two blocks. “I just focused and did what my coach asked me to do.”

 La Salle’s defense and hustle limited San Beda from scoring above 50 points that also turned out to be a huge factor in the 40-minute play. The Red Lions managed to shoot only 32 percent in the game.

“I’m very satisfied that we kept San Beda below 50 points and I credit the players and my coaching staff for making that happened,” said La Salle mentor Gee Abanilla. “It was a very physical game but my players kept their composures.”

After a quick 17-foot jumper by Rome Dela Rosa with less than a minute to play, LA Revilla, who had 9-points, nailed a clutch jumper that gave the Green Archers a 48-44 lead with only 27.9 seconds left including two free throws to seal the win.

It was a horrible shooting night for both teams.  With an average of 40% during the preseason, the Green Archers shot a meager 33% from the field, likewise, the Red Lions were simply lethargic, shooting just 32% compared to their league average of 43%.

 “It’s a good thing that we are now back in the finals and I’m hoping we play strong against NU,” he said. “It is a surprise to everyone that we beat San Beda in a low scoring game too.”

This is La Salle’s 1st win over 18-0 San Beda since November 29, 2010 were the Dindo Pumaren mentored Green Archers eliminated the Red Lions during the PCCL Quarterfinals, 84-74.

source: Inboundpass