MANILA — De La Salle University (DLSU) finally got the better of Ateneo de Manila, that is, after a long, five-year wait.

The Taft-based Green Archers finally nailed a seven-game skid down against the Ateneo Blue Eagles in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) men’s basketball via a hard-earned, cardiac, 83-78, victory over its archrival on Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

UAAP’s record books say it was the first time since Nov. 29, 2017, or in Game Two of the Season 80 Finals when the Green Archers, powdered by the prolific player in MVP Ben Mbala then, defeated the Blue Eagles.

But this time, it was Schonny Winston who carried La Salle’s campaign as he poured 25 points, including two clutch jumpers as the Archers picked up win No. 2 in three outings in UAAP’s Season 85.

With the win, La Salle also pulled abreast of Ateneo and National University (NU) at 2-1.

University of the Philippines enjoys the view from the top of the standings carrying an unblemished 3-0 win-loss card.

Aside from the quarter-century points he made, Winston added six assists, five rebounds, and two steals to his name.

Evan Nelle also came through with 10 points, three rebounds, three assists and two steals, while Mike Phillips notched six markers and 11 boards.

“Even though we were down, we were able to regroup in the second quarter. I told them (my players) to never doubt that we can match up with Ateneo,” said La Salle head coach Derrick Pumaren.

La Salle trailed from as far back as 10 points in the first quarter but regrouped in time to turn an 18-28 deficit in the first quarter into a see-saw battle throughout that kept the overflow crowd at the edge of their seats,
Meanwhile, in the other game, National U held off University of Santo Tomas (UST), 69-63, for its second win.

The Bulldogs improved to a 2-1 slate while the Growling Tigers fell to a 1-2 record.