Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) — Mayhem is back.
The La Salle Green Archers bounced back from their only defeat in the elimination round after edging out the Far Eastern University (FEU) Tamaraws, 73-67, in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) on Saturday at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Read: UAAP: Ateneo deals La Salle first loss of the season, 83-71
Jeron Teng and Ben Mbala led La Salle with 18 and 16 markers, respectively. Kib Montalbo and Aljun Melecio also figured in double figures for the Archers.
After a tightly contested first three quarters, the Tamaraws held a slim 53-51 advantage going into the payoff period.
The Taft-based squad nipped at the defending champions for most of the final quarter, but still found themselves trailing 67-64 with two minutes left on the clock.
Rookie guard Aljun Melecio stepped up for the Archers, draining a clutch trey to tie the game up at 67-all with 1:44 to play.
After a stop on the defensive end, Teng took matters into his hands as he drained the go ahead bucket to give the Archers a 69-67 lead with 1:05 remaining in regulation.
The Tamaraws could not stem the tide, as the Lasallians closed out the quarter with a 13-2 rally to secure the victory.
Achie Iñigo and Allen Trinidad paced FEU with 18 and 16 points, respectively.
La Salle finished the elimination round with a 13-1 record, while the Tamaraws slid down to an 8-5 slate.
After suffering a crushing loss against the Ateneo Blue Eagles, La Salle coach Aldin Ayo was relieved to bounce back.
“Big game after a big loss,” Ayo admitted. “We are grateful for this win.”
Ayo also revealed that he discovered about more about his players, having witnessed them bounce back from a tough defeat in the previous game.
“Character, being patient, being resilient,” the La Salle coach bared. “They were leading all the way, they controlled the game. The boys just did not give up.”
The Lasallians will now wait for the results of the remaining games of the elimination round to find out who they will face in the Final Four, while the Tamaraws will face the UE Red Warriors on Wednesday.
