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'We have to learn to close it out' - Sauler

As promising as its youthful roster looks, La Salle still has plenty of room for improvement, especially in closing out games and making free throws.

Those points were clearly stressed to the T by coach Juno Sauler and star wingman Jeron Teng, moments after the Green Archers squandered a big 13-point lead in the payoff canto and eventually ran out of steam in overtime en route to a painful 79-83 defeat against Far Eastern University Saturday night in the UAAP Season 76 men’s cage action.

“It’s not really a major collapse. We just have to learn how to close it out,” stressed Sauler. “It’s a learning experience for everyone. We just have to do a better job in closing out games."

Armed with a mini two-game winning run heading into the match, the Green Archers seemed headed for a stunning victory when they led 73-60 at the 2:36 mark of the fourth canto but they started to crumble in the face of the Tamaraws’ strong late-game charge.

VIEW: Scenes from FEU-DLSU

Aside from FEU’s rejuvenated defense, their failure to can crucial free throws also cost the Archers big time. Overall, the Green Archers missed half of their 26 attempts from the 15-foot line, with the 6-foot-2 Teng going a horrendous 3-of-11, including four big misses in the extra period.

“Hats off to them (the Tamaraws). They showed a fighting heart in the last three minutes. They were scrambling all over the place. They forced us to things that we’re not used to. They started double-teaming and pressing. We were not able to make plays. In free throws, we missed a few. Those cost us the game,” stated Sauler.

For his part,Teng, who finished with game-highs of 25 points and 15 rebounds, said: “I’m still working on it (free throws). Sana mag-improve. Walang excuse for my missed free throws.”

As painful as the loss was, the second-year wingman still remains optimistic, saying: “We were down because that game was supposed to be ours. But it’s not the end for us. It’s just the start. We just have to practice more and bounce back from this loss.”