UE’s defense culprit to La Salle’s turnovers, says Sauler

MANILA, Philippines – La Salle coach Juno Sauler blamed their costly miscues for their 66-68 setback to a pressing and torrid shooting University of the East in the 77th UAAP men’s basketball tourney at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Wednesday.

“Too many turnovers plus credit also to UE, they shot really well, they’re 40 percent from the trey and it’s hard (to beat a team shooting that well),” said Sauler.

The Archers committed 29 turnovers against the pressure defense of UE, giving up an easy 24 points. UE made 6 of their 15 shots from beyond the arc, with Bong Galanza (21 points) accounting for three and Roi Sumang (14) responsible for two.

“That’s really how UE plays, they force you to commit turnovers. At least hindi kami umabot ng 30 ngayon, 29 lang. In the first round, 30-something kami,” the DLSU mentor said in half-jest.

“We should be probably more conscious of taking care of the basketball. That was crucial. Tied ballgame, we turned the ball over, then they scored a three-point play so it boiled down to turnovers.

Maybe it’s because the (key) players didn’t get rest. Probably I should have used more rotation,” he said.

Sauler pointed to Jeron Teng playing 37 minutes, Almond Vosotros 33, and Kib Montalbo 35.

“During that run where we had a 10-point lead, they probably spent a lot of energy and it wore them down,” he said.

“Probably I should have called a time out earlier also (to stop UE’s 9-0 run that brought them back into the game.” Sauler admitted.

The Archers dropped to 9-4 and now need to beat National U in their last game in the elims to try to force a playoff for a Top 2 spot and twice-to-beat advantage.

“Everyone’s chasing a game here and there. So we don’t know what’s gonna happen. It’s gonna be a circus for the teams that are involved in the last two play dates,” said Sauler.