DLSU closed it out vs. NU

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DLSU closed it out vs. NU

by rick olivares pic by mark cristino

De La Salle University, the defending champs still groped for form and got all they could handle from a tough National University team to eke out their first win of the season, 57-55.

Jason Perkins stood tall for the Green Archers as he compiled 14 points (including the marginal basket), 7 rebounds, and 1 assist.

In our previous analysis of the DLSU (regarding their first two matches that they both lost to FEU and Ateneo), we noted the dip in closing out the first and second half. It is only fair to see if the theory has held.

Let’s break down the quarters by scoring.

Team	1st	2nd	3rd	4th
DLSU	12	23	10	12
NU	16	13	14	12

As you can see, La Salle put up a huge second quarter that served as a buffer. And even as the Bulldogs charged back, they held them to a draw in terms of scoring in the fourth while coming up in the late stages to eke out a win.

Breaking down the quarter scoring, this  is how La Salle did vis-à-vis NU.

Team	1st	2nd	3rd	4th
DLSU	Perkins 6	Torres N. 6 Van Opstal 5		Perkins 6 Torres N. 5
NU	Khobuntin 5	Alolino 5	.	.Rosario 6

In my previous analysis on DLSU (among other things), I listed players scoring at least five points in every quarter. La Salle had more players standing up during the two crucial periods (the second and fourth period) further validating the theory.

Arnold Van Opstal didn’t have a great game but it has been Perkins who has been their most consistent scorer. 

And once more, they went inside, their source of strength.

Category	DLSU	NU
Points in paint	32	24
Offensive rebounds	16	16
Layups/tip-ins	4-7	9-11

The stats have been glowing but La Salle got the important first win in the bag. Now they’ll be working on their consistency, defense, and closing out games. Especially the middle point that is defense. In three matches, they are in the bottom half of the standings in all defensive categories. That is what helped them win the Season 76 title. No doubt, their coaching staff will be working on that aspect.