This time team effort won the day for the defending champion La Salle Greenhills Greenies, who came up with a good start and sustained it till the end.
Connecting with their three-point shots in the first two quarters, the Greenies took control right away and demolished the multi-titled San Beda Red Cubs, 73-62, last Tuesday at the Arena in San Juan.
“Right now, we’re hungrier for the win. Ayaw namin, mag-slide down to back-to-back losses,” said Greenies coach Marvin Bienvenida.
The Greenies, who are seeking back-to-back crowns this season, are slowly inching their way to the top of the standings.
They now have a 2-1 win-loss record after recovering from their 81-95 setback to the Mapua Red Robins last July 20.
Overall, the University of Perpetual Help Junior Altas and the Arellano Braves are now in the lead at 2-0, followed by the Greenies in third, the Lyceum Junior Pirates and the San Sebastian Staglets (2-2) in fourth.
One of the team’s sophomores, Sydney Mosqueda took charge for the team in their effort to bring down their rivals for the crown last season.
The 19-year-old Mosqueda, who transferred from Nazareth School-National University last year, led with 15 points, with veterans Joel Cagulangan and Joshua David making 14 and 12 points.
Mosqueda, who decided to transfer after spending four years in team B of the NU Bullpups, were among the four cagers who found their marks from the three-point range in the first period.
His teammates Joshua David and Joel Cagulangan started their pullaway, with back-to-back treys in the last 5:52 for an 11-6 edge.
Bombs from Mosqueda and Franz Lao later allowed the Greenies to take a 24-14 spread.
In the next period, Mosqueda teamed up with Batang Gilas standout RC Calimag as the Greenies went on to take a 15-point lead, 36-21.
University of Santo Tomas transferee Kobe Palencia later added another triple, and LSGH went on to enjoy an 18-point spread.
The Greenies welcomed two new players into their fold, with Calimag and Palencia.
Calimag is back home from from helping Batang Gilas to its best-ever finish in the FIBA Under-17 Basketball World Cup.
He recently transferred from the La Salle-Zobel Junior Archers, where he played for one season last year, and the Junior Archers ended in sixth place when the season ended.
On the other hand, Palencia joins the team after leaving the University of Santo Tomas Tiger Cubs after they made it to the semifinals last season in the 71st UAAP junior basketball wars.