THE De La Salle University (DLSU) Green Archers secured a finals berth after grabbing its second straight win at the expense of Cebu City's Southwestern University (SWU) Phinma Cobras in the ongoing 34th Kadayawan Sports Festival Commercial Invitational Basketball Tournament Monday evening, August 12, at the Almendras Gym Davao City Recreation Center (DCRC).
The Araw ng Dabaw 2019 champion Green Archers shot down the Cobras, 65-59, through the heroics of Amadou Ndiaye who buried 16 points, seven of which came in the third period.
His teammates Encho Serrano and Gabe Capacio contributed 12 and 10 points, respectively. Davao City's Francis Gabriel Escandor had four points in the fourth canto.
SWU big man Lamine Thiam, meanwhile, sizzled with 24 markers to lead Mike Reyes-coached Cobras' losing cause, while Red Cachuela chipped in 13 baskets.
Green Archers assistant coach Gian Nazario said in a text interview with SunStar Davao Tuesday, August 13, that they sat out a few of their veterans.
DLSU was playing University of the Visayas as of yesterday, August 13, presstime in the final day of eliminations. The other match pits National University (NU) Bulldogs against University of the Visayas (UV).
On a possible rematch with the National University (NU) Bulldogs for the Kadayawan title, Nazario said, "We're expecting a good game. Coach Jamike will surely prepare his team well."
The Green Archers tamed the Bulldogs in their opening clash, 80-72.
Nazario added, "Our mindset is that UAAP season is in two weeks so we have to be focused and sharp."
NU, however, routed UV, 87-71, behind the combined 21 points of John Clemente (11) and Michael Malonzo (10) while Johncork Cabahug canned 14 for UV.
The battle for third is set at 5 p.m. today, August 14, while the championship that stakes P100,000 is scheduled at 6:30 p.m. in the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) 11-sanctioned league.