Pre-Game: De La Salle Green Archers vs UP Fighting Maroons
La Salle will try to go up to 2-0 as the De La Salle Green Archers takes on the UP Fighting Maroons this Saturday, 4p,m at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum. DLSU defeated FEU, 83-78 during their first game last Wednesday while UP lost to Adamson in a blowout during the opening weekend.
The teams split their season series from last year. UP defeated La Salle in the first round, in what was considered an upset during that time. In the second round, DLSU defeated UP in a close game to keep their Final Four dreams alive, but we all know how that one turned out. The La Salle faithful are hoping that there would be no more upset for this season against UP.
La Salle should show the killer instinct that is needed from a championship team for this game. If La Salle can blow the game wide open by the third period, Jeron Teng and Ben Mbala might get some rest in the fourth quarter, and it would allow the other players to get some playing time and build their confidence. Maybe rookies such as Mark Dyke and Brent Paraiso can finally play this season. Maybe Justine Baltazar can get more playing time and show his stuff. It is a learning process and this game is an opportunity for the younger guys to show their worth.
Of course, there is no such thing as a sure win. Upsets can happen. DLSU was over-confident during the opening game against FEU, almost blowing a 16-point lead and allowing FEU to make runs. DLSU should play hard from the beginning of this game and not allow the Maroons to gain confidence. The Mayhem basketball should be unleashed in this game!
Melo's Corner 