Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
De La Salle University made mincemeat out of the woeful University of the Philippines, 89-71, for its second straight win in the UAAP Season 79 men’s basketball tournament Sunday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Ben Mbala took the fight out of the Fighting Maroons finishing with 30 points, 14 rebounds, and two blocks to lead the Green Archers, who improved to 2-0.
Abu Tratter and Jeron Teng had a dozen points apiece for La Salle while Jollo Go had 11.
Despite the convincing win, Green Archers head coach Aldin Ayo wasn’t satisfied with how his team handled the ball.
La Salle turned the ball over 26 times much to the disappointment of Ayo.
“We just played our game, especially on defense,” said Ayo. “But we still had 26 turnovers. Kailangan pang magtrabaho in terms of finishing.”
La Salle kept UP at bay in the third, outscoring the Fighting Maroons, 33-18, for a 76-52 lead entering the fourth period.
Ayo’s Green Archers stayed through to its goal of causing mayhem forcing the Fighting Maroons to 34 turnovers, which the men in green converted to 34 points.
Paul Desiderio led the Fighting Maroons (0-2) with 21 points while Jett Manuel added 13.