UP's Juan Gomez de Liaño handles La Salle's first heartbreak

by Nikki Collantes

PASAY CITY - UP fights back and improved their winning streak as they beat the De La Salle Green Archers with Juan Gomez de Liaño's clutched three-point shot that led to UP's win, 72-71, Wednesday evening at the Mall of Asia Arena.

With that, UP is now at solo second with 5-1 while La Salle falls down to 2-4.

Kobe Paras led the Fighting Maroons with 21 points, two steals and two blocks. Bright Akhuetie also had his double-double at this game with 17 points and 14 rebounds. Juan Gomez de Liaño chipped in 10 points and his clutch three-point basket that led to the Maroons win.

Andrei Caracut and Aljun Melecio both chipped in 16 points for the Green Archers but still fell short to gain a win.

UP will next face the Ateneo Blue Eagles as the rematch of UAAP S81 finals and the much awaited Battle of Katipunan on Sunday, September 29, 4:00 p.m., at the Smart Araneta Coliseum while La Salle will try to bounceback against the UST Growling Tigers on Saturday, September 28, 2:00 p.m., at the Mall of Asia Arena.


Box Scores:
UP 72 – Paras 21, Akhuetie 17, Gomez de Liano Ju 10, Rivero 9, Manzo 5, Tungcab 5, Webb 3, Jaboneta 2, Gob 0, Gomez de Liano Ja 0, Murrell 0, Prado 0, Spencer 0.
La Salle 71 – Caracut 16, Melecio 16, Baltazar 13, Bartlett 8, Malonzo 7, Manuel 5, Serrano 4, Lojera 2, Bates 0, Cu 0.
Quarterscores: 14-18, 29-36, 52-59, 72-71.


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