Flying V caging: Archers outlast Bulldogs in OT

La Salle is back to its usual deadly form. The Green Archers put themselves in contention for the quarterfinals after defeating National University, 81-74, in overtime Wednesday in the FilOil Flying V Preseason Premier Cup at The Arena in San Juan. The Green Archers started strong in the extra five-minute stretch, scoring six unanswered, which proved to be the decisive run in securing their second win in four matches. The Bulldogs finished the elimination round with a 4-3 card. They are hoping to finish ahead of University of Santo Tomas (3-2) and San Beda (2-2) in Group A. A three-point play by Sam Marata triggered La Salle’s run in overtime followed by a split by Maui Villanueva and a key hole jumper by Norbert Torres for a 74-68 Green Archers lead. The Bulldogs were able to come to within a basket, 74-72, after Bobby Ray Parks made two free throws and a jumper in a separate play, but Almond Vosotros hit a three-point play with 1:30 left in the extra period game to give the Green Archers some cushion. "They are a tough team, but we ran well-executed plays in overtime which was enough for us to take the win," said La Salle coach Dindo Pumaren, whose team is fresh from a training in Chicago. Vosotros finished with 17 points while Torres added 15 markers. LA Revilla had 12 points while Marata added 10 points. The Green Archers cruised to a 60-53 lead at the end of the third quarter, but Parks erupted to cut it to one point, 59-60. Glenn Khobuntin broke a 63-all deadlock with a split free throws, 3:47 left in the game before Joel Betayene drilled a short stab for a three-point NU lead , 68-65, with 1:40 left in the game. Marata, however, saved the day for the Green Archers hitting a game-tying three-pointer with 1:22 left in the game, setting up an overtime. La Salle’s win overshadowed Parks’ output as the Fil-Am rookie standout led all scorers with 29 points. He sent the NU crowd roaring after a left-handed dunk over Papot Paredes before the end of the second quarter. In the first game, University of the East climbed to fourth spot with an 82-79 win over Mapua. UE finished the elimination round with a 4-4 record in Group B while Mapua dropped to 3-3 with two games to play. - Reuben Terrado, RCJ, GMA News