Green Archers lock up top two, blow out Bulldogs

Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

De La Salle secured a top two spot after shooting down National University, 101-76, in the UAAP Season 80 men’s basketball tournament Saturday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The Green Archers rose to 11-2 while dealing a big blow to the Bulldogs’ Final Four bid.

The loss was NU’s eighth in 12 games as the Bulldogs will now have to rely on other teams in hopes to making the semifinals.

La Salle immediately built momentum as early as the second quarter going on a 23-9 run with Ben Mbala giving the Green Archers a 43-27 lead late in the period and the defending champions never looked back.

“I think we’re getting better every game because we make it a point to follow the game plan the coaches set up,” said Ricci Rivero in Filipino. 

“What we do in practice, we make sure that we apply it to the game,” said captain Kib Montalbo.

Reigning MVP Ben Mbala put up a game-high 30 points with eight rebounds to lead La Salle while Rivero added 16 points and six rebounds.

J-Jay Alejandro and Antonio Joson had 20 points apiece to lead the Bulldogs.