Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
La Salle stayed unscathed in the 2016 Filoil Flying V Preseason Premier Cup, blowing out Mapua late, 93-76, Thursday at Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan.
The Green Archers capitalized on the absence of Cardinals’ center and reigning NCAA MVP Allwell Oraeme, who was thrown out after being attested with a disqualifying foul together with La Salle guard Kib Montalbo for fighting, at the 7:30 mark of the fourth.
Ben Mbala would then wreak havoc as the Archers slowly pulled away. Jeron Teng capped off his team’s surge with a floater that pushed the lead to 20, 90-70 with 2:26 left.
“We lacked effort in the first half,” said DLSU head coach Aldin Ayo. “That’s our system eh, we rely on our effort. If we don’t exert effort, we’re going to get beaten.”
Mbala dominated the competition with 29 points, 22 rebounds, two steals, and two blocks.
Abu Tratter had 17 markers and eight boards, while Teng poured in 16 points, four rebounds, and four assists to stretch La Salle’s unbeaten start to three games.
Andrew Estrella showed the way for Mapua (1-2) with 17 points.
The scores:
LA SALLE 93 – Mbala 29, Tratter 17, Teng 16, Montalbo 9, Torres 6, Melecio 5, Caracut 3, P. Rivero 3, Langston 3, Go 2, Gob 0, R. Rivero 0.
MAPUA 76 – Estrella 17, Orquina 13, Raflores 12, Oraeme 8, Biteng 7, Isit 6, Victoria 4, Magboo 2, Serrano 2, Bunag 2, Dela Cruz 2, Gamboa 1, Aguirre 0, Dela Rosa 0.
Quarters: 16-14, 32-39, 60-61, 93-76