Archers take aim at third win; Tams, Eagles clash

LA SALLE’S explosive recruit Ben Mbala tries to play to expectations again as the Green Archers shoot for the solo 3-0 lead against a team that also unveiled a surprise gem.

Mbala dropped impressive averages of 21.5 points and 18.5 rebounds in his first two games, making the Archers the easy favorite versus University of Santo Tomas in the UAAP Season 79 men’s basketball tournament today.

But the 6-foot-7 Cameroonian doesn’t want to go too far ahead especially against the Tigers, who gained renewed confidence following the breakout game of Renzo Subido.

“There’s always room for improvement,” said Mbala. “I think I can still play better.”

The Archers and the Tigers clash at 4 p.m., right after Far Eastern U and Ateneo part ways in the 2 p.m. first game at Mall of Asia Arena.

The Tamaraws and the Blue Eagles tote 1-1 cards along with the Tigers and the idle Adamson Falcons.

La Salle coach Aldin Ayo, though, doesn’t see his Archers as dominant as perceived.

“We still lack some things,” said Ayo. “We need to work hard in terms of finishing [the game] and the execution of our offense.”

Ayo also noted how it hasn’t been all about Mbala for the Archers as team leader Jeron Teng, Abu Tratter, Julian Sargent and Jollo Go played key roles in their back-to-back wins.

As the Archers try to sustain their hot run, third-year guard Subido hopes to do the same for the Tigers.

After scoring just a total of eight points last year, Subido erupted for 26 points to lead the Tigers to a thrilling 88-87 triumph over the University of the East.

“At first, I was frustrated,” Subido said of his limited minutes the past seasons. “I wanted to play and I know my capability. But I took it as a challenge that by next season, I would be a better and sharper player.”