HoopWatch

The De La Salle University Green Archers won two of three match-ups against their age-old rivals, the Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles, in the ongoing Filoil-Flying V Homegrown Cup.

The De La Salle-Greenhills high school varsity carved out a cardiac squeaker against the Blue Eaglets, 70-69, via two free throws. Those shots negated a potential game-winning three from inbounding Ateneo guard Lobrique. Meanwhile, the Blue Eagles got a big spanking from the Green Archers, where they lost a 69-81Â decision. Only the Ateneo Women’s team prevailed with the win against the Lady Archers.

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The seniors match-up appeared to become a close game by halftime, where the score was knotted even at 32-all. But De La Salle utilized their vaunted full court press, and the Eagles were left scratching their heads as the Archers stole the ball three straight times which were converted to three straight lay-ups. That 6-0 spurt proved to be fatal for the Blue Eagles, afterwhich they stared at a huge 14 point bubble at the start of the final quarter. The Archers never relinquished the lead after that. The closest the Eagles could get was at six points behind. Guard JV Casio led the way for the Green Archers with 14 big points, mostly coming in the second half. Forward Rico Maierhoffer was also spectacular, contributing a double-double effort with 14 points and 10 rebounds.

The Blue Eagles were struggling as they mostly fielded in Team B guys from their basketball program. It was a sort of a try-out for the aspirants to get into the college varsity team. Graduating seniors JC “The Rocket” Intal, Doug Kramer and Macky Escalona were not allowed by Coach Norman Black to play for the Homegrown Cup. The three co-captains, although eligible, sat out and would concentrate on their Philippine Basketball League (PBL) obligations, as they will be playing for Harbour Center.

The evening ended with another De La Salle alumnus having a career night in the pro-league. Guard Mac “Captain Hook” Cardona scored a career-high 30 points, shot 14-of-17 from the field, in just 28 minutes, as his Talk N’Text Phone Pals trashed crowd darling Ginebra Gin Kings, 113-98, in a PBA (Philippine Basketball Association) match later this evening.

It was indeed a day for the Green Archers as good graces came their way. I wonder when will the day for the Blue Eagles occur. Certainly, it wasn’t tonight, not even for me.