With a pulsating 79-76 victory over fierce rival Ateneo on Sunday night, the Archers showed they’re nearing peak form heading into the most important stretch of UAAP Season 80.
“We’re in a very good spot because we’re peaking at the right time,” said La Salle coach Aldin Ayo. “The players have been very responsible in terms of their commitment to our goal.”
No player put Ayo’s words to heart than Cameroonian center Ben Mbala, who reprised his MVP form with 28 points and 19 rebounds, while Ricci Rivero fired 21 points, including two crucial free throws with 8.9 seconds for the final count before close to 14,000 fans at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The victory spoiled an elimination-round sweep for the Eagles, who would have also gotten an outright finals berth with a victory.
But the Archers had other plans, tightening up defensively when it mattered as they closed the game with a 10-0 run that included a short jumper from Kib Montalbo with 40.3 seconds remaining that gave La Salle a 77-76 advantage.
With 12 seconds remaining, the Eagles bungled a chance for a go-ahead basket when Isaac Go missed a wide-open floater with the rebound falling to Rivero who calmly drilled the free throws.
Instead of a stepladder semifinals where La Salle would have also owned a twice-to-beat edge on the winner of third and fourth seeds, the result meant the Final Four will be played starting Saturday when the Archers face the Adamson Falcons in a rematch of last season’s pairing.
Ateneo faces Far Eastern U on Sunday with the Eagles armed with the Final Four incentive.
Earlier, University of Santo Tomas averted a winless season after hammering out an 88-85 victory over University of the East.
The Growling Tigers finally got their acts together down the stretch to finish the season with a 1-13 record.