Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
Stung by tough defeats at the end of the first round, defending champion La Salle and Far Eastern U seek to get their campaigns back on track when they mix it up on Wednesday in UAAP Season 80 basketball tournament at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Beaten by fierce rival Ateneo, 75-76, on Sunday, the Green Archers hope to turn their fortunes around against the Tamaraws in the 4 p.m. clash that could serve as a preview of the Final Four.
The Archers have looked vulnerable for most of the first round despite dominant performances from Ben Mbala, who has averaged 30 points in his first five games of the season.
La Salle forward Ricci Rivero feels its about time the rest of the Archers step up to ease the burden on Mbala.
“We don’t have to rely on Ben every time, that’s why we have to play as a team because with our lineup, we have players who are capable of doing everything,” said Rivero.
Aljun Melecio is expected to return to the lineup after missing the last three games due to dengue fever.
University of the Philippines faces winless University of Santo Tomas at 2 p.m.