La Salle trips champ FEU
LA SALLE’S Ben Mbala (23) proves to be a tough customer in the shaded area, overwhelming the Far Eastern U frontline all game. ALEXIS CORPUZ
THE OPENING act for a powerhouse La Salle team was a showcase of firepower and defensive toughness anchored by its ever-reliable star and highly-touted newcomer.
Jeron Teng took charge on offense down the stretch while rookie Ben Mbala protected the paint when it mattered as the Green Archers slipped past the defending champion Far Eastern U Tamaraws, 83-78, last night for their first win of UAAP Season 79 basketball tournament at Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
Teng pumped in 28 points, including La Salle’s last seven points, while Mbala, who spent the last two seasons serving a residency requirement, finished with 13 points and 23 rebounds for the Archers, who made all the big plays when the Tamaraws threatened late in the game.
The Archers were admittedly still far from their best, but they delivered a gritty performance to survive a worthy effort from the defending champions, who fought back from a 16-point deficit in the second half to tie the game for the last time at 74-all with three minutes left.
“It was a hard-fought win,” said La Salle rookie coach Aldin Ayo. “We were rusty and the rust factor showed with our decision making especially on defense.”
National U got a huge lift from veteran Alfred Aroga as it repulsed University of the East, 72-66, to join opening-day winners Ateneo and Adamson on top of the standings.
The scores:
First Game
NU 72—Aroga 16, Alejandro 13, Diputado R 9, Salem 7, Morido 7, Rangel 7, Abatayo 5, Diputado C 3, Gallego 2, Sinclair 2, Pate 1, Mosquada 0, Salim 0, Yu 0
UE 66—Batiller 18, Pasaol 10, De Leon 8, Penuela 7, Olayon 7, Varilla 5, Charcos 4, Abanto 2, Palma 2, Acuno 2, Gagate 1, Manalang 0, Armenion 0, Larupay 0, Derige 0, Bartolome 0
Quarters: 16-15, 38-33, 47-46, 72-66
Second Game
LA SALLE 83—Teng 28, Mbala 13, Melecio 10, Tratter 7, Montalbo 6, Rivero 6, Torres 4, Caracut 4, Go 3, Sargent 2, Baltazar 0
FEU 78—Dennison 13, Trinidad 12, Arong 11, Orizu 10, Comboy 10, Jose 7, Inigo 7, Tuffin 4, Escoto 2, Nunag 2, Bayquin 0, Holmqvist 0, Ebona 0
Quarters: 28-25, 51-43, 66-63, 83-78
