MANILA – De La Salle University Green Archers overcame a slow start to defeat National University Bulldogs, 84-81, and clinch the 2024 Pinoyliga Collegiate Cup title on Monday afternoon at the Amoranto Stadium in Quezon City.
Jacob Cortez emerged as the Player of the Game with 22 points, four steals, three rebounds, and two assists for the Green Archers, which claimed their first-ever Pinoyliga title.
Henry Agunnane added a double-double of 22 points and 10 rebounds, while Kevin Quiambao and Jonnel Policarpio ended with 17 and 10 markers, respectively, for the Green Archers.
The championship served as a bounceback for the Green Archers after falling short to the College of St. Benilde Blazers in the Pinoyliga Invitational Cup Finals earlier this year.
Down 45-48 midway through the second quarter, the Green Archers unloaded a 10-0 scoring run behind Quiambao and Cortez to snatch a 55-48 advantage heading into halftime break.
The Green Archers continued their run in the third period with consecutive perimeter hits from Quiambao and inside connections by Agunnane as the lead swelled to as high as 68-53.
The Bulldogs tried to counter with their own run in the fourth quarter to cut the deficit to 81-84 with under a minute left, but the Green Archers put on a defensive stop to secure the tight win.
“This was a great test for us, especially for our future players that are currently playing in the tournament,” said Green Archers head coach Michael “Topex” Robinson after the game.
Jake Figueroa led the Bulldogs with 17 points, while PJ Palacielo added 13 markers in the loss.
The Green Archers reached the championship round after defeating Our Lady of Fatima Phoenix in the semis, 86-71, while the Bulldogs ousted Enderun College Titans, 82-71, in the other semis./PN
BOX SCORE:
DLSU 84 – Agunnane 22, J. Cortez 22, Quiambao 17, Policarpio 10, Pablo 5, Macalalag 4, Baclaan 2, Abadam 2, Gollena 0, Ramiro 0, Marasigan 0, Dungo 0, Austria 0.
NU 81 – Figueroa 17, Palacielo 13, Dela Cruz 8, Manansala 7, Padrones 7, Enriquez 7, Diassana 6, Yu 6, Francisco 4, Lim 2, John 2, Santiago 1, Gulapa 1, Garcia 0, Tulabut 0.
Quarterscores: 28-30, 55-48, 73-60, 84-81.
