By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
The De La Salle University (DLSU) Green Archers handed the Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU) Blue Eagles its third-straight loss, 72-59, in the ongoing Filoil Preseason Cup last May 28, 2023.
DLSU just got off to a rousing start and never looked back after they protected their double-digit advantage.
It was a collective effort from the revamped Green Archers as several of their personnel flaunted their full offensive arsenal while also sticking to new head coach Topex Robinson’s defensive mentality.
Veteran point guard star Evan Nelle led the surge for the Green Archers after tallying an all-around effort of 12 points, seven assists, and three rebounds.
DLSU’s balanced attack came from Mark Nonoy, Joshua David, and Kevin Quiambao who all scored 11 points each during the one-sided victory.
Coach Robinson’s defensive schemes are finally paying off since accepting the job as the team’s new chief tactician.
Through all four quarters played, the Blue Eagles were only held for 22% from the shooting field and faced half-court offensive problems for the most of the second half.
Michael Phillips, DLSU’s big man who was just crowned as a SEA Games men’s basketball champion, immediately made an impact and recorded a double-double performance of 10 points and 10 rebounds.
Meanwhile, for the Ateneo side, Kai Ballungay was the lone star who delivered for the Tab Baldwin-led team and dropped 18 points.
The rest of the Blu Eagles then struggled from the field including breakout star Forthsky Padrigao and their new foreign student-athlete Joseph Obasa.
