Caracut, Serrano combine for 34 as Archers rout Red Warriors

The DLSU Green Archers opened its second round campaign with a big victory over the UE Red Warriors, 79-59, Wednesday at the Mall of Asia Arena.

The Red Warriors tried to close the gap against the Archers during the final period, making 13 points against DLSU's 10.

However, it was not enough as DLSU had a 17-3 run to end the third quarter, giving the Archers a 66-49 lead entering the final quarter. The Taft-based squad had a commanding lead entering the halftime break, 47-36.

Archers co-captain Andrei Caracut and rookie Encho Serrano had their breakout performances, with Caracut making 16 points and 6 rebounds, while Serrano posted 18 markers and 6 boards.

"After the Adamson game, talagang itong dalawa ang inisip ko. Kailangan ko bumalik ang kumpiyansa nila sa game and buti these two showed up today," DLSU head coach Louie Gonzalez said.

"Going to this game, I told them na sa ngayon, with the situation in the standings right now, every win counts. I told them na kahit sino kalaban namin, we need to put on the work. Napakalaking panalo ito sa amin, especially with the schedule," he added.

Asked about their breakout game, rookie Serrano said: "Ginawa lang namin best namin. Sinusunod lang namin sinabi ni coach sa amin."

"Respeto lang sa kalaban, kailangan ibigay mo best mo. Magandang start 'to ngayong second round. Sana magtuloy-tuloy and magtatrabaho pa rin kami," Caracut added.

Alvin Pasaol tried to lift the Warriors with 22 points and 17 rebounds.

With the win, DLSU improved to 5-3, while UE slid to 1-7.

The Archers will face the Adamson Soaring Falcons on Saturday, and Gonzalez admitted their next game is of great importance as the teams get more competitive.

"Physically, mentally, siguro we're on the same level, pero alam naman namin ang importance nung game na 'yun. Talagang malaking bagay sa standings," the rookie head coach said.

"I'm not focusing on the opponent, I'm focusing on our team. We want to collect as many wins as we can, regardless kung sino kalaban," he added.

Scores:

DLSU (79) - Serrano - 18, Caracut - 16, Santillan - 13, Baltazar - 12, Melecio - 8, Manuel - 3, Montalbo - 3, Bates - 2, Corteza - 2, Dyke - 2, Capacio - 0, Go - 0.

UE (59) - Pasaol - 22, Conner - 12, Varilla - 7, Bartolome - 6, Antiporda - 3, Cullar - 3, Acuno - 2, Manalang - 2, Sobrevega - 2, Beltran - 0, Gagate - 0, Guion - 0, Lacap - 0, Strait - 0.

— RSJ, GMA News