The La Salle Green Archers seek to shoot better when they face the University of the East Warriors at 2 p.m. today in the 81st University Athletic Association of the Philippines men’s basketball tournament at the Mall of Asia Arena.
The last time around, the Green Archers shot 45 percent from the field, while making 41 free throws, when they put away the Adamson Falcons, 79-78.
And doing better with their accuracy will help La Salle claim their fifth win in eight games at the start of the second round.
After dealing the Falcons their second straight setback this season, the Green Archers were able to climb to fourth.
“At least nasa upper half kami ng standing at may chance sa Final Four. Second round, dito makikita kung gaano katatag ‘yung players at system mo,” said Green Archers’ coach Louie Gonzalez.
The Falcons, who are on a two-game skid, clash with National University at 4 p.m.
Gonzalez said the Green Archers’ shooting percentage is finally picking up following their loss to the Ateneo Blue Eagles a few weeks back.
“Bumalik ‘yung scoring na na nawala nu’ng Ateneo game. Even though we only dished out 11 assists,” added Gonzalez.
In their game with the Falcons, Aljun Melecio, a third-year guard, finished with 22 points, four rebounds, and two steals.
The Warriors (1-6) are seeking to bounce back from losses to the University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigers and the Bulldogs.
The Falcons are in second at 5-2 and are out to get back on track, following back-to-back setbacks at the hands of Far Eastern University and La Salle.
Meanwhile, University of Santo Tomas swept the women’s and men’s championships Monday in the UAAP Season 81 table tennis tournament at the UP CHK Gym.
The Tigresses ended De La Salle’s four-year dominance in the women’s division, sweeping the Finals series via identical 3-2 scores.
The Growling Tigers nipped National University, 3-2, in the men’s Finals opener and achieved a perfect 16-0 season with a 3-0 Game 2.
UST captured a record 27th men’s title, while winning a league-best 13th championship in the distaff side.
The Tigresses placed second in the eliminations behind the Lady Paddlers, who jumped straight into the Finals via 14-0 sweep.
But UST defied all the odds, as Shaeena Ronquillo outlasted De La Salle’s Jhoana Go, 11-5, 6-11, 11-8, 9-11, 11-6, in the deciding singles to clinch the series and end a 12-year title drought.
