MANILA, Philippines—Norbert Torres and Joshua Webb fueled a big start that easily carried La Salle past University of Batangas, 78-55, Saturday at the start of the Sweet 16 knockout round of the Philippine Collegiate Champions League at the FilOil-Flying V Arena in San Juan.
Torres and Webb combined for 15 points in an early 20-4 surge by the Archers that proved too much for the the Brahmans, the South Luzon-Bicol regional champions.
National University also cruised past provincial titlist University of the Northern Philippines, 96-51, as Emmanuel Mbe buried 23 points and Reden Celda had 19 for the Bulldogs, who hardly missed UAAP Most Valuable Player Ray Parks.
La Salle and NU face tougher assignments in the next stage as the Archers clash with University of Santo Tomas, while the Bulldogs battle Jose Rizal University on Monday.
Torres and Webb paced the Archers with 15 points each and Ponso Gotladera also chipped in 10 markers.
“We’ve been together for about 12 days already and I was surprised how they received this new system. We’re excited about it,” said La Salle coach Gee Abanilla, who took over Dindo Pumaren last month.
The Bulldogs triumphed even without six key cogs, including Parks, who’s playing for the national team in the Southeast Asian Games in Jakarta. Their other veterans are also seeing action in the PBA D-League.
“So far we’re playing better, we’re playing relaxed,” said NU coach Eric Altamirano. “This is the time to learn from our mistakes, get better as a team and assess our players.”
Jacklord Arquero had 16 points to lead the Sharks, the North-Central Luzon champions of the tournament that pits the best varsity teams in the country.
The scores:
First Game
NATIONAL U 96—Mbe 23, Celda 19, Roño 11, Javillonar 9, Labing-isa 9, Villamor 7, Neypes 6, Alolino 6, Khobuntin 4, Singh 2.
UNIV. OF NORTHERN PHILS. 51—Arquero 16, Arceo 12, Verzola 8, Tacata 7, Pacleb 6, Vita 2, Asistin 0, Frando 0, Heard 0, Asuncion 0.
Quarters: 22-17, 47-28, 72-37, 96-51
Second Game
LA SALLE 78—Torres 15, Webb 15, Gotladera 10, Tampus 9, Dela Paz 8, Vosotros 7, Mendoza 4, Paredes 4, Revilla 3, Reyes 2, Sara 1.
UNIV. OF BATANGAS 55—Medrano 18, Noriega 10, Monserat 9, Aspi 6, Sangalang 6, Alcantara 2, Rodavia 2, Planas 1, Delmo 1, Fernando 0, Umali 0, Aquino 0, Arellano 0,
Quarters: 25-8, 37-25, 59-35, 78-55