The DLSU Green Archers are, for all intents and purposes, a star-studded roster. From blue-chip recruits to sought-after transferees, the Green Archers usually have the inside track to anyone looking for greener (no pun intended) pastures. If successful, they add to a vaunted roster that is more often than not a perennial title contender. If not, then they simply go on to the next player. 

With their backs against the wall, though, LaSalle dug deep and played what was arguably their best collective effort in UAAP Season 88. 

Seven players scored at least eight points for the DLSU, who saw different players step up in various moments of the game. When one was struggling or headed to the bench, the others picked up the slack. Jacob Cortez got the ball rolling for the Green Archers, while EJ Gollena helped weather the NU Bulldogs’ early rally attempts. Later on, it was Mike Phillips and Vhoris Marasigan who put the finishing touches on one of LaSalle’s best victories this season.  

The Bulldogs had DLSU’s number during the preliminary round, but they didn’t face this Green Archer squad at full strength, nor were they the battle-tested bunch who picked up signature wins against the UP Fighting Maroons and the Ateneo Blue Eagles. Indeed, the Final Four is a different ballgame, where statistics are set aside in favor of teams who are peaking at the right time. 

We could very well be seeing LaSalle gaining momentum as they finally got their roster together, performed relatively (and I do mean relatively) well at the free throw line, and remained aggressive with their rebounding. NU tends to be the tougher team, but it was DLSU’s turn to dominate the trenches and frustrate their opponents. All of this, of course, is tied to their composure, as unlike the Bulldogs, the Green Archers kept their emotions in check. 

All things considered, things are working in LaSalle’s favor heading into the winner-take-all matchup on Saturday. Not only do they have momentum, but they have the blueprint to advance to the finals, where the defending UAAP champions UP Fighting Maroons are waiting. Then again, NU will likely make some adjustments and perform better at the free throw line and behind the 3-point line. Thus, it’s important that DLSU continues to control the rebound as securing possessions will be critical in a game that is often defined by the slightest of margins. 

But let the Lasallian community enjoy this moment first, as these DLSU Green Archers are what they have always envisioned: a balanced attack, active on the boards, and unfazed by adversity. It has taken time and there certainly have been frustrating moments during UAAP Season 88, but LaSalle is still alive and kicking. And with the way DLSU has been performing, it’s clear that the whole has always been better than the sum of their parts.