By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
The De La Salle University (DLSU)-Ecooil Green Archers maintained its fine form in the ongoing PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup after schooling the Go Torraku-St. Clare, 90-63, on March 18, 2024, at the Ynares Sports Center in Antipolo.
After flexing their muscles on the CCI-Yengskivel Crusaders in their first game of the tournament, 110-68, the reigning PBA D-League and UAAP Men’s Basketball kings replicated its crisp performance against St. Clare.
Led by the upcoming small forward star Jonnel Policarpio who dropped 17 points and nine rebounds, the Green Archers are yet to taste their first defeat in the tournament and just raised their record to 2-0.
It was DLSU’s signature defense that led them to the huge win, executing their half-court schemes to perfection while also staying patient when St. Clare had several chances of finishing in the break.
This is their second straight game where they held their opponents to under 70 points. They only allowed 68 points to CCI in their first encounter while St. Clare scored five points fewer.
Aside from their defensive strategies that were too hard to break, their communication in the switches of their pick-and-roll defense was also a key to their dominant victory.
Backstopping Policarpio was veteran guard CJ Austria who contributed 15 big points including several wide-open drives to the basket.
Meanwhile, Mike Phillips, DLSU’s heart and soul, clinched another double-double performance of 12 points and 16 rebounds including three assists and two steals.
Despite the absence of reigning UAAP Most Valuable Player (MVP) Kevin Quiambao who wasn’t listed in their lineup for the PBA D-League, the Green Archers were still the same fluid unit that thrived on their defense and tremendous ball distribution.
