Dark horse Fighting Maroons destroy Green Archers

UP Maroon's Andrew Harris (R) boxes out Green Archer Abu Tratter (L). Pen Lazarte
By Ric Arlos

QUEZON CITY—The University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons continued to be this season’s dark horse as they trampled the De La Salle University Green Archers in another fierce match-up of the UAAP Season 78 on Wednesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Paul Desiderio led the first half charge for the fighters from Katipunan.

They started the game with an early lead and kept the boys from Taft chasing for the ball. They opened a 25-14 in the second quarter and closed the first half in their favor with a score of 41-28.

Meanwhile, Jeron Teng steered the Archers in the first half with eight points, although it looked like his other teammates are having problems controlling the ball after a series of turnovers.

The Fighting Maroons maintained their 13-point lead up to the third quarter, troubling the Green Archers down below. The third quarter closed with a score of 54-42.

The Green Archers, still with full determination, tried to lessen the wide margin Fighting Maroons has set. Teng, with the help of Prince Rivero and Andrei Caracut, continued to take charge for the Archers, closing the gap at a point to just five, with 59-64 at the 1:10 mark.

They inserted further pressure to the Maroons by intentionally fouling them on the latter seconds, but the Maroons still garnered their way to their second straight win.

Seeking for a comment regarding their winning streak, UP Fighting Maroons Coach Rensy Bajar told the press that he is very happy for their series of wins.

“Napakasaya namin, maganda yung naging panalo namin,” the coach told.

Box Scores:

UP 71-Manuel 14, Desiderio 13, Longa 10, Dario 9, Asilum 7, Moralde 5, Harris 4, Vito 3, Gallarza 2, Amar 2, Prado 2, Juruena 0, Kone 0

La Salle 66-Rivero 15, Caracut 12, Teng 10, Torres 8, Sargent 8, Perkins 5, Go 5, Muyang 3, Tratter 0, Navarro 0

Quarterscores: 14-16, 28-41, 42-54, 66-71