Archers regain title

MANILA, Philippines - Jason Perkins and Almond Vosotros took over in the stretch as La Salle came from behind to beat San Beda, 71-66, and re-capture the Filoil Flying V Hanes Premier Cup crown at The Arena in San Juan yesterday.

Perkins poured in nine of his 14 points in the last 10 minutes of the contest while Vosotros scored six of his team-high 18 in the same stretch, including the Archers’ last four points from the foul line as La Salle annexed its third Filoil crown in the nine-year history of this league.

The Taft-based squad reigned back-to-back from 2006-07 but lost the crown to National U two years ago. It was also the Archers’ third straight tournament win after ruling the UAAP and the PCCL last year.

“San Beda played very well today (yesterday). It was very difficult for us especially in the first three quarters, we’re lucky in the end, they missed shots while we scored,” said La Salle coach Juno Sauler.

Jeron Teng added 14 markers and later took the MVP honors.

The Archers, who beat the UST Tigers for the UAAP crown, fought back from 48-56 at the onset of the fourth as they imposed their will and strength on both ends of the floor.

Arnold Van Opstal scored twice on post-up plays against San Beda’s Nigerian import Ola Adeogun to give La Salle its first taste of the lead, 65-64, with a little over three minutes remaining.

Baser Amer countered with a floater as San Beda regained the lead but Perkins connected on a reverse and Vosotros drained four clutch free throws to cap the Archers’ blazing windup.

The setback kept San Beda winless in the tournament despite making four finals appearances. The Red Lions also lost to the Archers in the 2007 finals and bowed to the UE Warriors in 2008 and to the Ateneo Eagles in 2011.

Earlier, Centro Escolar U rode on a big third quarter run to rout Cebu’s Southwestern U, 73-58, to clinch third place. 

Meanwhile, Teng, Adeogun and de la Cruz led the Mythical five that included CEU’s Rodrigue Ebondo and SWU’s Landro Sanjo.