Archers on target

MANILA, Philippines — La Salle ushered in a new era under coach Topex Robinson with a bang by clobbering Far Eastern U, 87-76, in the UAAP Season 86 men’s basketball tournament yesterday at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

Evan Nelle flirted with a triple-double with 15 points, 12 assists and eight rebounds as the Green Archers kickstarted their redemption bid after a Final Four miss last season.

Versatile forward Kevin Quiambao hauled down 14 points and 14 rebounds while Mike Phillips (13), CJ Austria (12) and Francis Escandor (11) produced key contributions in La Salle’s coast-to-coast win.

Only two of 14 players failed to make the scoring column for La Salle, which is eyeing a follow-up to its PBA D-League championship earlier this year, with former PBA mentor Robinson at the helm.

“It’s really a surreal feeling finally coaching here in the UAAP especially for DLSU. I’m just grateful for the opportunity to be here with these fine gentlemen here,” said Robinson.

La Salle took command early and erected a lead as big as 20 late in the third quarter, 63-43, off an Austria transition lay-up.

As the Green Archers slightly misfired from there on, the Tamaraws capitalized and charged to within 73-80 in the last two minutes, but the hoopers from Taft won’t be denied.

Austria converted a clutch bucket on the next possession before Phillips flashed a thunderous dunk to slam the door on FEU’s comeback hopes.

Xyrus Torres had 19 points while Jorick Bautista and Patrick Sleat added 12 and 11 points, respectively, in the tough loss of FEU, which also paraded a new coach in Denok Miranda.

Later, reigning MVP Malick Diouf imposed his will with a 20-point, 17-rebound outing plus four blocks as University of the Philippines took down Adamson, 68-51.

CJ Cansino (19) and Harold Alarcon (10) provided support for the wards of coach Goldwin Monteverde, who unloaded a crippling 17-5 run in the third period to kick off its revenge tour after a runner-up finish last year.

Meanwhile in women’s basketball opener, reigning champion National U opened its eight-peat bid with a convincing 66-44 win over Ateneo behind the 11 points of Karl Pingol.