DLSU Green Archers recoup victory in UAAP 76

By Elyrose S. Naorbe

After a year of waiting, De La Salle University Green Archers brought home the UAAP Season 76 men's basketball championship, routing the University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigers in a nerve-wracking game that resulted to overtime, 71-69, Saturday, at the Mall of Asia Arena.

The mighty Green Archers officially put an end to their arch-rivals Ateneo Blue Eagles' five-year reign from 2008 to 2012, by winning their first victory since 2007.

Jeron Teng was named Most Valuable Player for this conference with a finishing team-high 25 points, eight rebounds and six assists, including 12 points in the crucial fourth quarter. Almond Vosotros corresponded 16 points, while Jason Perkins added 13 points and 18 rebounds, including eight offensives. Arnold Van Opstal contributed 11 points and eight rebounds.

Jeric Teng tries to drive the ball over solid chase defense of younger brother Jeron Teng. 

In overtime, UST had the last possession again to start a good momentum.  A lot of turn-overs were recorded on growling tigers. Instead of taking the last shot, Jeric Teng, one of the UAAP's deadliest marksmen was assigned to make the in-bounds pass, which went to center Abdul. The 6'6" Cameroonian, who plays best inside, took an awkward outside shot to end UST's hopes.

At the end of the ball game, DLSU converted 17-of-26 (65.4 percent) from the charity stripe, while the Tigers went 12-of-16 (75 percent).

The scores:

DLSU 71: Teng 25, Vosotros 16, Perkins 13, Van Opstal 11, T Torres 4, N Torres 1, Revilla 1, Tampus 0, Salem 0

UST 69: Abdul 26, Teng 24, Ferrer 7, Bautista 4, Mariano 3, Sheriff 2, Lao 2, Pe 1

Quarter scoring: 16-18, 24-32, 47-48, 65-65, 71-69