Opening the women’s basketball tourney of the 19th season of Southern Luzon Colleges and Universities Athletic Association (SLCUAA) on a decisive note, the De La Salle Lipa (DLSL) Lady Stallions bested University of Perpetual Help System DALTA (UPHSD) with a cogent 21-point advantage, 58-37, at the Malayan Colleges Laguna (MCL) gymnasium, Cabuyao, Laguna, Nov. 10.
In the first quarter of the game, the Stallions had a rough start but quenched Altas by the combination plays of Joyce Ann Imbang and Arianne Castillo, 16-15.
The Stallions were tougher in the second quarter as Lyrille Siscar dropped dagger after dagger which gave the green squad a 6-point advantage over the Altas, 32-26.
DLSL’s Allen Punzalan came out swinging in the opening of the third quarter with a back-to-back drive and lay up plays from Marinel Faye Magpantay, 52-45.
The Lady Stallion shooters doubled their effort in the second half of the game increasing the lead of the team by 13 points at the end of the third quarter.
In the fourth quarter, the strong defense of the Stallions along with the rebounds of co-captain, Jhasmine Laylo greatly limited the Altas offense.
This was capitalized on by the game’s highest pointer, Siscar, as she dished out perimeter shots that gave the Stallions a 21-point lead and game, 58-37.
According to Lady Stallions’ coach Alfredo Cubilla Jr., the strong defense of Altas caused then to start out slow in the first half of the game.
“Sa second half kami umarangkada. Ang ginawa ko ipinasok ko ang mga rookies sa second half at doon kami nakabawi,” Cubilla remarked.