De La Salle University ran away with an 87-76 win over Far Eastern University for a rousing start in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines Season 86 men’s basketball tournament Sunday at the Mall of Asia Arena.
This is the Green Archers’ first win under head coach Topex Robinson, who was appointed as early as January this year to call the shots for the multi-titled squad.
La Salle actually led as much as 20 points in the third quarter after CJ Austria scored on a layup with three minutes and 34 seconds before the final frame.
The Tamaraws attempted to stage an uprising by slicing the lead to seven at 80-73 but Austria and Kevin Quiambao teamed up to keep their Morayta-based rivals at bay, 84-73.
Still, Robinson wasn’t quite satisfied with the performance of his team, saying he feels that his players have plenty to show considering that their next outing would be against another fancied team, long-time rival and defending champion Ateneo de Manila on Wednesday.
“There’s a lot of room for improvement but that’s where rule number one for us comes in which is always use your best judgment,” Robinson said.
“Given these guys are talented, you just have to give them the floor,” he added.
The Archers’ starting five outscored their Tamaraw counterparts, 55-25.
Graduating guard Evan Nelle led La Salle with a double-double game of 15 points and 12 rebounds while Quiambao also had a double-double output for the Archers with 14 points and 14 boards.
In the second game, University of the Philippines downed Adamson, 68-51.
