By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
The De La Salle University (DLSU) Green Archers capitalized on a 23-0 scoring run in the third quarter to outclass the Adamson Soaring Falcons, 71-58, in the ongoing UAAP Season 86 men’s basketball tournament last October 11, 2023, held at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Trailing by three with 7:17 still left in the third period, the Green Archers stunned the Soaring Falcons after snowballing their way to a momentum-shifting 23-0 run that changed the complexion of the game.
DLSU superstar point guard Evan Nelle kicked off the massive run after a bang and a bucket when he was fouled going into the hole.
After the Nelle drive, the Green Archers just went unconscious from the field and buried every field goal attempt they hoisted.
Key contributors during that run aside from Nelle were Joaqui Manuel, Kevin Quiambao, and Mike Phillips.
The signature DLSU full-court pressure defense also worked to perfection after holding the Soaring Falcons scoreless in six long minutes.
Adamson sank a much-needed three-pointer with only a minute left in the third to trim their deficit to 17 points but was not enough to spearhead a gutsy come-from-behind effort as DLSU maintained its pace in the crucial fourth frame.
The Green Archers looked to blow the game wide-open after taking a commanding lead in the first quarter but a counter-run from Adamson turned the tables around midway through the second.
DLSU needed that 23-0 spark to take full control of the fourth quarter, improving their UAAP record to three wins and a loss while the Soaring Falcons fell to 2-2.
Leading the way for the Green Archers is Quiambao who tallied an all-around efficient performance of 17 points, 10 rebounds, and six assists.
Meanwhile, Nelle displayed another dimension of his growing arsenal as he snatched 15 big rebounds alongside 12 points, five assists, and three steals.
