Big Ben fuels La Salle win

Returning with new weapons on his offensive arsenal, Ben Mbala propelled La Salle past Adamson, 85-73, for its third straight victory Wednesday night in UAAP Season 80 men’s basketball at Mall of Asia Arena.

Playing his first game of the season after suiting up for Cameroon in Fiba Afrobasket, the reigning Most Valuable Player fired a season-high 32 points, including a couple of triples, as the Green Archers relied on a fiery start to seize control, before holding off the Falcons’ surge in the second half.

While La Salle overcame a team it beat in the Final Four last season, La Salle coach Aldin Ayo can only hope that his team puts together better games ahead.

“That was a bad win,” said Ayo, whose team averaged 105 points in the first two outings. “I did not make a lot of adjustments when Ben left, but we gained a lot as a team when he wasn’t here, and Ben also gained a lot individually while he was away. It will be a matter of putting these together, but what’s important is Ben is here and we’re ready to move forward.”

Earlier, National U held off a gritty University of Santo Tomas, 94-84, to gain a share of third spot with University of the Philippines.

Dave Yu nailed a triple from the corner and Jordan Bartlett converted a fast-break lay-up as the Bulldogs pulled away late and kept the Tigers winless in three games.

“Coming into the game, I really felt it was gonna be hard-fought because we knew they (UST) will come out slugging,” said NU coach Jamike Jarin, whose team improved to 2-1.

Senegalese center Issa Gaye had 17 points, 13 rebounds and four blocks, while J-Jay Alejandro finished with an all-around game of 12 points, 10 rebounds and eight assists.

Buoyed by Mbala’s early explosion, the Archers led 36-12 at the end of the first period on their way to tying fierce rival Ateneo on top.

“We started strong but down the stretch we committed lots of mistakes,” said Ayo.