Archers force semis decider vs Bulldogs

MANILA, Philippines — La Salle lived for another day in the UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball semis, shooting down the National University Bulldogs, 87-77, in Game 1 of their series Wednesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The Green Archers thus forced a sudden-death semifinal game this weekend.

Jacob Cortez powered La Salle with 13 points, four assists, two steals and a rebound, while Mike Phillips had 12 markers and 17 boards, as well as two swats.

La Salle pulled away in the third quarter, outscoring the twice-to-beat yielding NU squad 19-8 to break the game wide open, 67-54, heading into the final period.

The advantage grew to as much as 17 points, 71-54, after a Luis Pablo jumper.

But eight straight points by the Bulldogs thanks to Reinhard Jumamoy and Jake Figueroa sliced the deficit to eight, 63-71, with 6:32 remaining.

The Green Archers, though, kept their opponents at bay.

A timely JC Macalalag triple with 52.6 seconds remaining plunged the dagger to the Bulldogs’ hearts, 86-74.

Paul Francisco answered with a trey of his own, but La Salle’s lead was insurmountable.

EJ Gollena had 11 points for the Green Archers, while Vhoris Marasigan had 10. Kean Baclaan chipped in six in his return to action.

Figueroa paced NU with 20 points, 10 rebounds and four assists in the losing effort. Omar John had 12 markers and five boards.