Sports

Ruthless Archers dismantle Tigers in 38-point blowout

September 14, 2016 | 7:30pm

MANILA, Philippines – Relentless won't even begin to describe De La Salle University's showing against University of Santo Tomas in Wednesday's UAAP nightcap.

The Archers decimated the Tigers, 100-62, dealing the black and gold their worst loss in a decade while also registering their biggest rout in three games.

So is this the optimal form that Aldin Ayo is expecting from the Green Archers?

The quick answer to that would be a no.

Ayo, a tactician who turned the Letran College into a defensive behemoth and eventual champions, believes that the win along with staggering numbers are just borne out of a well-executed system.

"Siguro 'yung game-changer dito is how we started the third quarter. If we can sustain that, if we can play like that in our remaining games, siguro magiging maganda yung resulta para samin,” said Ayo.

"This is what happens if we play as a team," he added. "Ever since naman, 'yun ang winowork out namin eh: Kung paano mabuo 'yung chemistry, paano ma-execute yung game plan."

The Archers forced the Tigers to commit 40 errors in the game. On top of that, the favorites were able to convert 26 markers on second chance looks – a stark contrast to that of the opposing side, which was unable to do so.

Ayo's record in turnovers forced came with Letran last year in a game against San Sebastian. They made the Stags commit 43 errors.

The UAAP's most recent record in turnovers – 44 – was set by the Tamaraws in 2003.

De La Salle dealt the league's most frequent bridesmaids their biggest beating since 2006 – the same year when the Tigers won it all.

Ben Mbala was his usual stellar self with another double-double outing (16 points and 16 rebounds). Jeron Teng shot poorly on a 6-for-20 clip, but still ended up with 13 markers and five rebounds.

And for the first time ever, the Cameroonian believes they've done well.

"I feel that we played good as a team. We got to our game plan until the end of the game," Mbala said.

The Tigers leaned on Henri Subido, who finished with 18 markers. Skipper Louie Vigil was a nonfactor for the second straight game, ending his duty with just five points.

Ayo and his wards will take on National University next. But he's confident that things will go smoothly if his cagers continue to buy into the system.

"For the players naman it's just a matter of absorbing the system and surrendering to the system and doing what they're asked to do," he said.

"I believe that the fifteen players are capable of playing – not only on offense, but also defense.

"We want to make it a habit," Ayo closed.