La Salle’s Ben Mbala (23) throws down the follow up dunk over Ateneo’s Chibueze Ikeh. Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
What rivalry? The latest episode of green vs. blue was nothing but a one-sided affair.
De La Salle University made a laughingstock out of Ateneo with a 98-66 beatdown, in the 2016 Filoil Flying V Preseason Premier Cup Sunday at San Juan Arena.
It was never a competitive match up as the Green Archers cruised to a 5-0 record to clinch a quarterfinals slot while Ateneo dropped to 3-2 and was left to wonder what happened.
DLSU head coach Aldin Ayo said La Salle is still working on its team chemistry, but the Archers played as if they have that aspect of the game already figured out with the way they dominated the Blue Eagles from start to finish.
“We’re working on our team chemistry, that’s why ganun ka intense laro namin,” said Ayo, whose team limited the Blue Eagles to 39 percent shooting. “Gusto kasi namin palagi na maganda kinalabasan, we want to make it a habit every time you play basketball, we play with the system and play good basketball.”
La Salle out-rebounded Ateneo 53-37, 23 of which came on the offensive glass.
Ben Mbala was a man among boys as he recorded 28 points, 16 rebounds, and three blocks for the Green Archers, while Jeron Teng added 24 points, four rebounds, and four assists.
Thirdy Ravena and Chi Ikeh led the Blue Eagles with 10 points apiece.