La Salle slips past UST, remains in running for Final Four spot

De La Salle University barely escaped the University of Santo Tomas to stay in the hunt for a Final Four spot, 80-79, Wednesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

With the Archers up by nine, 80-71, 2:27 in the final period, back-to-back triples from Rhenz Abando brought UST to 77.

After a crucial turnover by Andrei Caracut,  Abando delivered what could be the game-tying shot from downtown with 1.5 seconds left. However, it was ruled as a long two as the UST gunner stepped on the line.

La Salle trailed at the end of the first half 44-37, but a third quarter explosion, 26 points against UST’s 13 gave them the lead as they entered the final period, 63-57.

"As you know, the standings are really tight, and we're happy that we kind of responded well, the players responded with urgency today," said DLSU head coach Gian Nazario during the post-game conference. "Hats off to UST, they played well also," he added.

For DLSU active consultant Jermaine Byrd, the victory was a hard-fought one and they are now in a situation where each game is considered as a playoff game. "I'm proud of my guys, like coach Gian said, we have two more games and we will compete.

DLSU active consultant Jermaine Byrd describes the victory as a “hard-fought win,” says “every game is a playoff game.” pic.twitter.com/GSjBwFlMGA

— JK Carandang (@jk_carandang) October 23, 2019

DLSU one-and-done player Jamie Malonzo recorded a career-high 23 points, while Aljun Melecio listed 18 markers. Two players from the Taft-based squad registered a double-double: Justine Baltazar with 14p, 11r, and Brandon Bates with 10p and 15r.

"Definitely a gutsy win. Every game is a playoff game for us," Bates echoed Byrd. "What coach said, he really preached it to us. I'm proud of how our team competed today. We showed character down the stretch," Malonzo added.

Abando topped UST in scoring with 19 points, eleven of which were made in the deciding period. Soulemane Chabiyo had 17 points and 17 rebounds in the loss.

The Taft-based squad remains at fifth with 6-6 while UST holds a 7-6 record.

Scores:

DLSU 80 -- Malonzo 23, Melecio 18, Baltazar 14, Bates 10, Hill 5, Manuel 5, Caracut 2, Serrano 2, Bartlett 1, Lojera 0.

UST 79 -- Abando 19, Chabi Yo 17, Cansino 9, Bataller 6, Subido 6, Paraiso 5, Huang 4, Nonoy 4, Ando 3, Concepcion 3, Cuajao 3, Bordeos 0.

Quarterscores: 19-24, 37-44, 63-57, 80-79. —NB, GMA News