MANILA, Philippines – The drought is over. De La Salle University defeated archrival Ateneo de Manila University for the first time since Game Two of the UAAP Season 80 Finals. 

On Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, the Green Archers defeated the Blue Eagles, 83-78, to earn their second victory in the Season 84 Men’s Basketball competition. Deschon Winston, Evan Nelle, Raven Cortez, Kevin Quiambao, and Mike Phillips all contributed to the victory.

“The boys put forth a lot of effort. They thought they could defeat Ateneo. Derrick Pumaren, the La Salle coach, remarked, “Even though we were down, we were able to regroup in the second quarter. “Congratulations to my men, I urged them never to doubt that we can compete with Ateneo,” he cheerfully says.

With 1:42 remaining and La Salle trailing by three points, they went on a flurry of a run that was capped by Schonny Winston’s jumper to gain a six-point lead, 79-73. 

With 1:19 remaining, Winston made another jump shot to make the score 81-76 after Forthsky Padrigao’s subsequent triple had brought Ateneo within three.

“The boys put forth a lot of effort. They thought they could defeat Ateneo. Derrick Pumaren, the La Salle coach, remarked, “Even though we were down, we were able to regroup in the second quarter. “Congratulations to my men, I urged them never to doubt that we can compete with Ateneo,” 

With 1:42 remaining and La Salle trailing by three points, they went on a flurry of a run that was capped by Schonny Winston’s jumper to gain a six-point lead, 79-73. 

With 1:19 remaining, Winston made another jump shot to make the score 81-76 after Forthsky Padrigao’s subsequent triple had brought Ateneo within three.

Kai Ballungay scored a pair of goals to bring the Blue Eagles back within three, but Evan Nelle’s free throws put an end to the game. 

For the Green Archers, Winston poured in 25 points along with five rebounds, six assists, and two steals. 

Nelle contributed 10 points, and Cortez had an effective 11 minutes, scoring eight points and recording two blocks. 

Phillips contributed 11 rebounds and six points, while Quiambao contributed seven points, six rebounds, and two steals.

La Salle increased to 2-1, tied for second with National University and Ateneo, and ended its slump against their oppressors. 

Ballungay had his finest game of the season with 19 points and 10 rebounds, while Ange Kouame scored 22 points, none of which came in the fourth quarter, along with 12 rebounds and four blocks. 

Padrigao finished with only seven points on 2-of-18 field goal shooting. 

On Wednesday, the Blue Eagles will try to rebound against University of Santo Tomas while the Green Archers will try to keep their momentum against University of the East.

Scores at the End of the Match

DLSU with 83 points

Individual Scores: Winston 25, Nelle 10, Cortez 8, Quiambao 7, Abadam 7, M. Phillips 6, Austria 6, B. Phillips 6, Estacio 5, Nwankwo 3, Nonoy 0, Manuel 0

Ateneo with 78

Individual Scores: Kouame 22, Ballungay 19, Andrade 8, Ildefonso 7, Padrigao 7, Gomez 5, Lazaro 4, Garcia 3, Chiu 2, Koon 1, Daves 0, Quitevis 0

Scores per Quarter

18-28, 46-47, 64-62, 83-78