After La Salle weathered Alvin Pasaol's sniping late in their game with the University of the East Warriors, the Archers have vowed to prepare for tougher matches ahead.
Green Archers' coach Louie Gonzalez said this after they put away the University of the East Warriors, 82-72, on Sunday at the Arena in San Juan.
“I told the guys that we'll take this game and prepare for the next three matches,” said Gonzalez after the Archers posted their second straight triumph in three games in the 81st University Athletic Association of the Philippines men's basketball tournament.
Gonzalez said he and the coaching staff did a lot of tweaking and work on the rotation of the Archers throughout the game.
“I told the boys, let's try to learn from this (game). Just stick to the game plan. UE is going to come out strong tonight. If we're leading, we learn how to hold on to the lead. If we're trailing, we learn how we can get back,” added Gonzalez.
In their next three games, the Green Archers will meet the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons, the University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigers and the defending champion Ateneo Blue Eagles after a weeklong rest period.
When many thought the prolific Pasaol was having an off night, he made heads turn again after he came up with another great showing of 22 points for the Warriors.
Pasaol got hot by erupting for 17 points in the final period but his effort was not enough for the Warriors.
The Green Archers, getting 11 and 10 points from Adamson transferee Encho Serrano and Jollo Go, moved to a share of second spot with the defending champion Ateneo Blue Eagles and Far Eastern University Tamaraws.
The Warriors, with Jason Varilla and Philip Manalang making 14 and 11 points, are down in the standings with three consecutive setbacks.