Archers rip listless Altas, share No. 3

MANILA, Philippines - La Salle U pounced on an erratic Perpetual Help side to pound out a 75-67 decision and tie Letran in third in the Filoil Flying V Pre-Season Hanes Cup at the Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan yesterday.

The Archers leaned on an 11-2 run in the fourth quarter to seize control, 71-60, then held on to frustrate the Altas for their fourth win against two losses in Group A.

The Knights matched that card with a 79-55 rout of the Mapua Cardinals as Mark Cruz poured in 27 points, including 20 in a decisive third quarter Letran breakaway.

The Altas actually moved within five at 65-71 but Almond Vosotros took over and scored three of La Salle’s last five points to seal the victory.

“It was a tough win. Our chemistry was affected when I fielded my veterans and our timing is off,” said La Salle coach Gee Abanilla, referring to starters LA Revilla and Gabriel Reyes, who returned to action for the first time. “They need about three or four games to get back their rhythm.”

Aljon Mariano scored 18 points and pulled down 12 rebounds while Karim Abdul posted 13 points and 10 rebounds as University of Santo Tomas escaped with a 67-64 thriller over University of the East to keep their quarterfinal hopes alive.

“We are just going with the motion. Most of my players know what to do when they’re on the court,” said UST coach Pido Jarencio.

Mariano sank three of his four charities in the last 32 seconds to give the Tigers a 66-62 lead, but Roy Sumang of UE countered with two of his own to cut the lead to two, 64-66.

 Earlier, Cruz sizzled in the third period and finished with a 56 percent norm, including four-of-six triples, as the Knights blasted the Cardinals to stay in the hunt for a quarterfinal berth. He also had five rebounds and three steals.

Meanwhile, the Ateneo-La Salle duel on June 2 will be aired on a delayed basis at 11:30 p.m. on ABS-CBN Studio 23 with replay set June 3 at 3:30 p.m.