THE De La Salle University (DLSU) Green Archers is definitely out of the basketball battle.

In the Thursday showdown of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) 72nd season, the National University (NU) Bulldogs stunned many when they defeated the La Salle squad with a two-point victory.

The game finished at 63-61, in favor of the Bulldogs, who holds just a 2-11 record before the crucial matchup.

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Before the duel, the Archers had a chance to grab the fourth spot and compete in the semifinals if they win against NU; and if University of Sto. Tomas (UST) loses to University of the East (UE).

NU's Melvin Baloran started well for his team but was in foul trouble early on. Still, Baloran managed to lead the Bulldogs before the halftime with a three-point lead at 30-27.

The Bulldogs showed their eagerness to defeat the Green Archers with its impressive defense play. The first field goal for DLSU in the third quarter, courtesy of Jovet Mendoza, only came at the 6:46 mark.

Rookie Kokoy Hermosisima furthered NU's lead with a triple as Archer Bader Malabes tried to narrow the opponent's lead with barely three minutes left in the quarter.

Both teams tied at 41 in the third quarter; but with La Salle's lax offense and Hermosisima's fiery performance, NU easily regained its lead ending the quarter at 49-44, in favor of the Bulldogs.

At the start of the last quarter, the Archers and Bulldogs came in hungry for victory. Both teams blasted their best shots from their top players.

Although it was La Salle who was seeking a seat in the Final Four, it was NU who showed they needed the win.

The match ended at 63-61 with the Bulldogs capturing its first and last win in the second round of eliminations.

The DLSU squad will miss the semifinals round this season; and so will its coach Franz Pumaren.

Since Pumaren handled the team in 1998, this will be the first time that his team will not step into the Final Four except in year 2006 when the team was suspended.

Pumaren is rumored to be leaving his post at the end of the 72nd season to run for a position in Congress. (Kathrina Alvarez/Sunnex)