Jeron Teng knocks down a jumpshot over a FEU Defender. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
La Salle showed why it is the favorite to win the 2016 Filoil Flying V Preseason Premier Cup crown after clobbering FEU, 91-71, to book a semifinals seat Tuesday at Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan.
Ben Mbala dominated in the paint with 32 points, 11 rebounds, two steals and two blocks as the Green Archers humbled the defending UAAP champions.
Jeron Teng also finished with 28 markers before exiting late in the game with a mild sprain on his left leg.
“Parang ordinaryo lang yung panalo kasi preseason game,” said coach Aldin Ayo, as La Salle remained unbeaten in eight games. “May mga adjustments kaming ginawa at ang magandang nangyari, may adjustments na ginawa ang FEU na nakita namin kaya mas tatatag ang depensa namin.”
After FEU got to as close as seven, 74-67, in the payoff period, Mbala woke up from his slumber and carried the Green Archers to an 18-4 finish to set up a duel against rival Ateneo in the semifinals on Friday.
Despite the dominant showing, Ayo still isn’t satisfied with what he saw from the Green Archers
“May 24 turnovers pa kami at may mga lapses sa offense and execution.”
Raymar Jose topped the Tamaraws with 13 points and five rebounds, while Monbert Arong had 12 markers in the defeat.
The Scores:
LA SALLE 91 – Mbala 32, Teng 28, Tratter 8, Torres 7, R. Rivero 6, Go 5, Melecio 3, Montalbo 2, Caracut 0, P. Rivero 0, Gob 0.
FEU 71 – Jose 13, Arong 12, S. Holmqvist 11, Escoto 10, K. Holmqvist 10, Comboy 5, Dennison 4, Orizu 2, Trinidad 2, Ebona 2, Tuffin 0, Delos Santos 0, Inigo 0, Bienes 0, Lee Yu 0, Nunag 0, Delfinado 0.
Quarters: 21-11, 42-33, 73-59, 91-71.