2008 UAAP Results: DLSU takes No. 2

The De La Salle University Green Archers digged down deep to their well of experience to eke out an escape win against the Far Eastern University Tamaraws 62 - 59 in their play-off game to determine the No. 2 team in Season 71 Final Four of the UAAP Men's Basketball.

JV Casio bounced back from arguably his worst performance in the UAAP to lead the Archers to another twice-to-beat advantage in the final four. History-wise, La Salle always get to the finals when having that advantage.

Casio's experience in pressure-packed games was in display as he scored 16 points that included two clutch lay-ups to thwart the Tamaraws rally.

The pressure of this crucial game affected both teams as they combined in a turn-over-filled opening half. FEU was just slightly ahead 25 - 23 going to the break.

The experienced Archers composed themselves in the second half, hitting their stride early to taste their first lead of the game 29 - 28 after Malabes scored five straight points.

The Archers forced the Tamaraws into more turnovers and stretched their lead to eleven 45 - 34 with a little over two minutes left in the quarter.

Fernandez' trey and Cervantes' tip-in allowed to Tams to stay close 39 - 47 as the quarter ended.

FEU wilted to the pressure at the start of the fourth. Coach Capacio was called for a technical foul and Baracael was tagged with an unsportsmalike foul. Aiding La Salle to enjoy its biggest margin of the game, 56 - 41.

With La Salle seemingly about to turn the game into a blow-out, FEU turn to their defense to start an 11 - 2 run and turn the momentum to their side.

Casio scored on a clutch lay-up to stem the tide of the Tams uprising to give La Salle an eight point lead 60 - 52 with three and a half minute left to play.

FEU battled back with 5 straight points to make it 57 - 60 with still 1:40 to go. DLSU turn to their main man once again as Casio delivered on another clutch lay-up to maintain distance from FEU.

Cawaling scored a basket and FEU was able to force a turnover and have the last possession. Cawaling had a wide open three to force overtime but missed, allowing La Salle to escape with win.

DLSU is just a win away from reaching the finals and defend their crown.