Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) — The De La Salle Green Archers came back from a 15-point deficit to defeat the Ateneo Blue Eagles, 80-76, in the first round of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) on Sunday (October 4) at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Jeron Teng lived up to his role as King Archer with 18 markers, six rebounds, and five assists, while Tomas Torres and Jason Perkins chipped in with 15 and 13 points, respectively.
Ateneo was in control of the game in the first half as they blitzed their Taft-based opponents to lead 46-36 at the break.
But in the second half, La Salle came out swinging as they went on an 18-4 run behind three-pointers from Torres and Perkins. With momentum swinging their way, the Green Archers were able to tie the score at 61 heading into the final period.
In the fourth quarter, Ateneo big man Chibueze Ikeh put the Blue Eagles in front, 76-74, with 1:27 left on the clock. But La Salle’s Josh Torralba hit a triple to give the Archers a slim 77-76 lead.
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La Salle comes back from behind to down Ateneo 80-76 | @cnnphilippines https://t.co/XUQV1gWSlR
— Paolo del Rosario (@paodelrosario) October 4, 2015
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Teng sealed the game for La Salle by nailing two free throws and helping stop Ateneo’s final possession.
Kiefer Ravena led the way for the Blue Eagles with 19 points, five assists, and five rebounds.
Despite the big win over Ateneo, La Salle head coach Juno Sauler refused to get ahead of himself.
“It was a hard fought win,” said Sauler. “We will still take it one game at a time.”
