Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
De La Salle got another gasp of air in the Filoil Flying V Preseason Premier Cup after dealing Letran a 93-77 beating Friday at the tournament’s namesake arena in San Juan.
The Green Archers capped off the eliminations with a 5-3 record in Group A but an Ateneo win later in the day would eliminate the defending UAAP champions.
Ben Mbala powered La Salle with 45 points, 17 rebounds, and three blocks while Ricci Rivero added 17 points, five assists, five rebounds, five steals and two blocks.
La Salle head coach Aldin Ayo said whatever they do in the pre-season tournament is all in preparation for their title defense in the UAAP.
“Everything we do right now are all just in preparation for the UAAP and one good thing that happened today was we had a high number in assists,” said Ayo. “We’re moving the ball well.”
“And I’m not conscious with our outcome here in the preseason because we’re in the process of rebuilding our team and what’s important is the UAAP.”
Jerrick Balanza led the 1-7 Knights with 22 points while Bong Quinto added 14 points, nine boards, and five assists.