Karim, Tigers outsmart Archers frontline in Game 1

MANILA, Philippines -- UST big man Karim Abdul believes that the supposed height advantage of DLSU is bogus and believes they have the advantage over the vaunted frontline of the Green Archers.

"Normally and logically height is an advantage but it's about what you produce on the court. Throughout out the season I think me and Aljon (Mariano) are ahead in the statistical points right? Then (Norbert) Torres and Arnold (Van Opstal) so why are they better? I don't see why?," said Abdul.

The Camerooninan big-man recorded a double double with 19 markers and 12 boards in their 73-72 Game 1 victory Wednesday to help the Tigers take a 1-0 lead in their best-of-three Finals series against the Green Archers.

"The tallest players are not the best players. Every time there is an MVP, it is not always tallest. Look at Terrence Romeo, he is a guard but he won the MVP even in the States or Europe the best players are not the tallest but the smartest," said Abdul.

Many pundits have pointed out the size advantage of DLSU with Van Opstal, Torres and the wide-bodied Jason Perkins as the key advantage for the Taft-based squad but Karim believes they have the talent to stop the trio of big men La Salle has to offer.

"We have our game plan against their big men although it didn't worked out as planned. There were some lapses on our defense but since Arnold and Jason did not dominate, I think we still did a good job," said Abdul.

"We always talk about that we defend man-to-man and our help side defense to strengthen our defense inside,' he added.