UAAP: DLSU vs FEU preview and live-scoring (round 2)

Game starts at 4pm. Page auto-refreshes every 30 seconds. First round meeting: The Far Eastern University Tamaraws survived a low-scoring affair against the De La Salle University Green Archers by holding them to just two points in the last five minutes, en route to a 48-46 win, last July 22, in the first round of the UAAP. In a game of runs, FEU found themselves on top 15-11 after the first quarter, but DLSU successfully launched a counter-attack, holding the Tams to just two scores, while they themselves dropped 14 huge markers, to go up 25-19, 2:51 left in the first half. Luckily for Far Eastern, baskets by Roger Pogoy and Terrence Romeo helped closed their gap, so that they went into halftime trailing by just three, 26-23. In the third period, it was FEU's turn to put up points while DLSU went cold. In fact, six of La Salle's eight markers came exclusively from reserve guard Almond Vosotros, while Romeo again helped his side go ahead, 35-34 with a quarter left to play. The Archers seemed to rediscover their rhythm early in the final moments, as an 8-2 blast put them up by three points, 42-39, 6:03 left in the game. An Anthony Hargrove lay-up was met by free throws by Jovet Mendoza, but then came another critical drough from La Salle. FEU was able to close out the game on a 7-2 run, with charities by RR Garcia first tying the game at 46-all, before Cris Tolomia put the nail in the coffin via a jumper with 47 ticks on the clock left. Key stats: How low-scoring was this game? All but one player scored in double-figures, as Terrence Romeo managed 10 points on 4-of-17 shooting to lead all the players in this game. It was in this outing that blue chip rookie Jeron Teng notched his season-low, a mere six points, while former MVP RR Garcia was similarly off-target, scoring just six too. Both sides had trouble connecting from the field, and from outside in particular. FEU, the winners, were a mere 2-of-16 from downtown, 19-of-63 from the field overall. La Salle on the other hand missed all seven of their three-point attempts, and wrapped up with a 15-of-54 field goal mark. Another area which could have lifted either of the two sides was free throw shooting. FEU missed 10-of-18 from the stripe, while La Salle got more attempts, but missed 10 as well, converting 16-of-26. Ultimately, the game boiled down to fourth-quarter execution. FEU shot better, 34 percent versus 30 percent, got a 4-to-1 advantage in offensive boards, and turned the ball over less, 2-to-5, compared to La Salle. At the very least, DLSU didn't leave any points on the floor, closing the period 6-for-6 from the stripe, versus FEU's 3-of-9 showing. Numbers aside, this upcoming game is a must-win for both teams. After UST's loss to Ateneo, the Tamaraws are now in sole possession of second place, with a half-game lead over the Growling Tigers. A win here would solidify their position, especially with a tough rematch against the NU Bulldogs still to come. On the other hand, the DLSU Green Archers are tied in the standings with that same NU squad, with both teams at 7-5, contesting the fourth and final post-season berth. Again, a win is vital for DLSU to put distance between them and the hosts, in order for the Taft-based squad to return to the Final Four DLSU needs to: Put the shackles on Terrence Romeo and RR Garcia. With the suspensions of Arvie Bringas and Mac Belo, FEU's rotation is shortened considerably, and they'll likely look to their veteran backcourt to provide the bulk of their scoring. By marking the two marquee players, it places more pressure on the likes of Anthony Hargrove to come through, and it also tests Roger Pogoy's ability to produce another big game (16.5 point average over the past two games). FEU needs to: Take a page from NU's win over DLSU by packing the paint against the Archers. When the Bulldogs tried that tactic, they succeeded in neutralizing the Archer big men and allowed DLSU a mere seven free throws the entire game. That will make the likes of Jeron Teng and Almond Vosotros resort to outside shots, and if FEU can pull in those rebounds, they might be able to trigger fast break attempts for easy baskets.   DLSU (7-5) projected starting-five: Jeron Teng (20 points on 9/21 FG, 1/2 FT, 4 rebounds, 4 assists, 1 block vs NU), Norbert Torres, Thomas Torres, Jed Manguera, Yutien Andrada FEU (1-12) projected starting-five: Terrence Romeo (13 points on 5/11 FG, 4/5 FT, 5 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals vs UP), RR Garcia, Anthony Hargrove, Mark Bringas, Gryann Mendoza - AMD, GMA News