UAAP S74: DLSU vs UE

History Lesson:
In a basketball equivalent of a squash match, the DLSU Green Archers used a 32-13 second quarter to pound the UE Red Warriors into submission, after they matched La Salle point to point in a 13-13 first quarter. Jarelan Tampus set the tone in the second, finishing with a game-high 15 points to allow even the third-stringers to see playing time, as the lead was never in doubt after DLSU jumped out ahead. Adrian Santos managed 14 points in the face of the rout for UE, which employed a strange rotation that saw Roi Sumang play just six points, and Santos getting in only near the end. (Recap here)

What's at Stake:

• The Green Archers (4-4) lost the season series to the Adamson Falcons for the second straight season, dropping them into a tie for fourth place with the UST Growling Tigers. Taft has seen some extremely up and down the games lately, as scoring droughts and injuries have hit the green shirts hard. That said, the cellar-dwelling UE Red Warriors give them a perfect opportunity to bounce back and rediscover some of their lost mojo...that is, unless UE realizes it still has another upset in its sleeve.
• After getting obliterated to the tune of 91-51 by the NU Bulldogs, the UE Red Warriors (1-7) have to be licking their wounds. Playing DLSU has that same potential for a blowout, but if there's any pride left in this squad, they ought to be gunning for an upset, especially after seeing the scoring funks the Archers sometimes lapse into.

DLSU Stat to Watch : Damning proof that the "Pumaren press" has become ineffective? The Archers had exactly zero steals and just ten turnover points, a season-low (they averaged 18 prior to this game), versus Adamson, as the Falcons knew exactly how to get the ball across half-court with ease. UE though is nowhere near Adamson, having turned it over 22 times in the first encounter. I have a feeling the Archers will be ratcheting up the pressure in this game to make themselves feel better, and poor UE will be taking the brunt of their frustration.
DLSU Player to Watch : LA Revilla has seen his minutes and impact on the court lessen, as he's been forced to the sideline due to his medical condition. His back-up Almond Vosotros, took full advantage of the situation last game, scoring 18 points in 18 minutes, including two clutch triples that brought them closer to a come-back. Should Revilla not be cleared, expect Vosotros to make his case for more minutes with another strong stint on the floor.

UE Stat to Watch : The Red Warriors must have used all their mojo in their first-round upset against NU, as they couldn't buy a basket to save their lives in the rematch, going 21 of 76 from the field, 27.63 percent, including a miserable 2 for 23 strip from downtown. They're currently last in the league in three-point percentage (14.78%) and field goal percentage (34.95%) so if La Salle makes this a high scoring game, catch-up might not be in a viable option.
UE Player to Watch : After a season-high 20 point output in the first round against the Bulldogs, Paul Zamar couldn't replicate it, finishing with just four points on 1 of 11 shooting. He was similarly unable to score versus La Salle before, going 2 of 11 from the field. With so few options available to him, the veteran Zamar needs to get on track if they're smelling an upset.


Prediction: DLSU Green Archers