La Salle earns Final 4 bonus, pounds UST anew with 43-point rout

Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

La Salle shook off its cobwebs early and clobbered University of Santo Tomas anew, 99-56, Sunday in the UAAP Season 79 men’s basketball tournament at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The Green Archers, who upped their impressive record to 11-0, assured themselves of a twice-to-beat advantage in the Final Four and moved three games away from completing an elimination round sweep.

UST held a 10-5 lead early, but things went downhill for the Tigers from there.

The Archers went on a 20-2 tear to establish a 45-23 halftime lead, which would extend to as high as 46, 93-47.

“We want to play the whole game strong, so hopefully, we learn something from this win,” said DLSU assistant coach Paolo Sauler.

Ben Mbala once again flexed his muscle, finishing the game with 21 points, 15 rebounds, and five blocks in the dominant victory.

Jeron Teng also had 16 markers, four boards, and three assists, while Justine Baltazar got himself a double-double with 10 points and 12 rebounds, as all 14 DLSU players scored in the rout.

In their first round meeting last month, La Salle crushed UST, 100-62.

Louie Vigil topped UST (3-8) with 18 points and seven rebounds.

The scores:

LA SALLE 99 – Mbala 21, Teng 16, Baltazar 10, R. Rivero 9, Perkins 8, Torres 5, Montalbo 5, Tratter 4, Sargent 4, Dyke 4, Paraiso 4, P. Rivero 4, Melecio 3, Caracut 2.

UST 56 – Vigil 18, Subido 9, Sheriff 6, Huang 6, Lee 5, Arana 5, Lao 3, Faundo 2, De Guzman 2, Afoakwah 0, Macasaet 0.

Quarters: 19-15, 45-23, 68-37, 99-56/rga