There was no stopping La Salle from extending its unbeaten run as rolled past fierce rival Ateneo, 97-81, in the UAAP Season 79 men’s basketball tournament Sunday before a packed crowd of 16,212 at Mall of Asia Arena.
The Green Archers were still a force to reckoned with even minus their suspended head coach Aldin Ayo and injured star forward Jeron Teng.
Ben Mbala was dominant anew with 28 points, 13 rebounds, five steals and one block to lead La Salle to a 7-0 record at the end of the first round.
Adrian Wong had 15 points, four rebounds and four assists for the Blue Eagles, who are in fourth place with a 4-3 mark.
La Salle’s Ben Mbala rises for an uncontested basket against Ateneo. Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
Ateneo’s Chi Ikeh tries to fake out La Salle’s Ben Mbala during their game in the UAAP Season 79 men’s basketball tournament Sunday, Oct. 2, 2016, at Mall of Asia Arena. Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
Mall of Asia Arena was a sea of blue, green and black during the Ateneo-La Salle game in the first round of the UAAP Season 79 men’s basketball tournament Sunday, Oct. 2, 2016. Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
La Salle’s Jeron Teng watches on the bench during the Green Archers’ rout of the Ateneo Blue Eagles in the UAAP Season 79 men’s basketball tournament Sunday, Oct. 2, 2016, at Mall of Asia Arena. Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
La Salle’s Kib Montalbo shoots a jumper. Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
Ateneo’s Thirdy Ravena dribbles against La Salle’s Kib Montalbo during their game in the UAAP Season 79 men’s basketball tournament Sunday, Oct. 2, 2016, at Mall of Asia Arena. Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
La Salle’s Jason Perkins goes strong to the basket against Ateneo. Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
Ateneo’s Thirdy Ravena drives to the basket. Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
Ateneo consultant Tab Baldwin yells out instructions from the sidelines. Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
Hall of Fame boxing trainer Freddie Roach watches the Ateneo-La Salle game in the UAAP Season 79 men’s basketball tournament Sunday, Oct. 2, 2016 at Mall of Asia Arena. Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
La Salle’s Ben Mbala goes airborne as he catches a lob pass from Thomas Torres. Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
La Salle’s Ben Mbala dunks the ball with authority. Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
La Salle supporters in full force during the Green Archers’ rout of the Ateneo Blue Eagles in their first round encounter in the UAAP Season 79 men’s basketball tournament Sunday, Oct. 2, 2016, at Mall of Asia Arena. Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
Ateneo’s Matt Nieto is checked by team staff during the Blue Eagles’ loss to the La Salle Green Archers in the UAAP Season 79 men’s basketball tournament Sunday, Oct. 2, 2016 at Mall of Asia Arena. Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
La Salle’s Ricci Rivero pumps his fist during the Green Archers’ win over the Ateneo Blue Eagles in the first round of the UAAP Season 79 men’s basketball tournament Sunday, Oct. 2, 2016, at Mall of Asia Arena. Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net