By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
The De La Salle University (DLSU) Green Archers already gave the UAAP fans a preview of what they can do after demolishing their arch-rivals, the Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU) Blue Eagles, 98-61, in the ongoing FilOil EcoOil 17th ECJ Preseason Cup on June 2, 2024.
After several dominant runs in the previous preseason tournaments they joined including the PBA D-League, the Green Archers showed no signs of slowing down and maintained its high-octane attack against the Blue Eagles.
De La Salle quickly imposed their will after establishing an early 20-point lead in the first quarter, 35-15, courtesy of the offensive prowess of Kevin Quiambao and Jonnel Policarpio.
The 1-2 punch got to the hole at will, slicing and dicing through the Ateneo interior while also knocking down wide-open three-pointers.
Quiambao picked up where he left off and spearheaded a massive De La Salle scoring run in the second and the third quarter that steered the Green Archers to a sizable advantage.
Ateneo then threw in the white towel with a lot of time left in the final frame as DLSU’s blitzing offensive attack just proved to be too much for the Blue Eagles.
The Blue Eagles never trimmed the lead down to just a single digit and got outworked for four straight quarters. The Green Archers also outrebounded them by a wide disparity, one of the factors that helped them take over the game.
Quiambao had another masterful performance for the Green Archers and powered his way to 31 big points to go alongside seven rebounds and four assists.
EJ Abadam and Andrei Dungo also stepped up for the Green Archers and supplied 12 and 11 points, respectively.
“We keep on reminding these guys not to look at the score and just keep on perpetuating the game. We know that if it’s Ateneo, it’s always gonna be a battle,” said DLSU head coach Topex Robinson after the convincing win.
