PCCL: La Salle puts away University of Batangas

MANILA, Philippines – De La Salle leaned on a blistering third quarter run to put away a pesky University of Batangas squad, 78-55, Saturday in the Philippine Collegiate Champions League (PCCL) at the Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan.

The Green Archers, exploiting their size and speed advantage, went on a 27-10 tear in the pivotal third period that created enough separation they needed heading into the last 10 minutes of the game.

La Salle, which placed only sixth in the UAAP, drew stellar plays from its big men led by Norbert Torres’ 15 points.

Joshua Webb also had 15 markers while Ponso Gotladera gave the Archers another intimidating presence down low and came away with 10 points.

The Brahmans bucked a slow start as they fought their way back to move to within seven, 25-32, with exactly a minute left in the second quarter  after back-to-back baskets by Kevin Medrano.

La Salle however, went on an 11-4 run highlighted by a breakaway dunk by Webb for a 43-28 Archers lead.

With the win, La Salle set up a battle with UAAP rival University of Santo Tomas on Monday.

“It will be a good gauge on how far we are right now,” said new DLSU coach Gee Abanilla.

Medrano led UB with 18 points on a slew of treys.