Archers shoot down Eagles

De La Salle University boosted its twice-to-beat advantage bid after a 72-69 win over archrival and defending champion Ateneo de Manila University last night in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines Season 86 men’s basketball tournament at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

In front of 14,900 spectators, the Green Archers survived a late comeback from the Blue Eagles to come away with the win.

Evan Nelle, who shot 10 points for La Salle, came up big as he scored four points capped by two free throws with 12.1 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter, to give the Archers a 72-67 lead.

Joseph Obasa pumped some life into Ateneo after sinking a layup with 3.2 seconds and had a chance to force the game into overtime but Jared Brown missed his triple in the dying seconds.

La Salle head coach Topex Robinson lauded his wards for standing their ground and keeping themselves composed despite the challenge Ateneo gave in the final moments of the game.

“We know that they’re going to bounce back. We know that they are going to fight their way through,” Robinson said.

“I’m just happy these guys never gave up.” Obasa led Ateneo with 21 points as the Eagles end their elimination round with a 7-7 win-loss record and will have to wait and see for the match between Adamson University and University of the East today at 2 p.m. at the Mall of Asia to plot their next move.

An Adamson win will pit Ateneo and the Soaring Falcons in a playoff match for the last Final Four slot on a date and venue yet to be determined while a loss by the Falcons will send the Eagles to the Final Four.

Also happening at the MOA Arena is the showdown between National University and University of the Philippines at 4 p.m. for the last twice-to-beat advantage.