MANILA, Philippines—De La Salle chalked up its third straight win after a 95-62 domination of Arellano University in the Filoiil Flying V Preseason Cup Thursday at the competition’s namesake arena in San Juan.
The Green Archers jumped from fourth to the second seed of Group A with a 4-1 record just behind unbeaten San Beda that holds a 2-0 standing.
Justine Baltazar ruled the paint with 21 points and 16 rebounds to lead the Green Archers while Encho Serrano also had a double-double with 16 points and 11 boards.
Aljun Melecio also had 16 points to go along seven assists for La Salle.
La Salle head coach Gian Nazario commended his team’s 1-on-1 defense since it became the catalyst for the Green Archers’ running game.
“When we play good defense, 1-on-1, it gives us an opportunity to run and we want to make sure that played good 1-on-1 defense today,” said Nazario. “I was also expecting more on our assists department and I saw that we were moving the ball well.”
La Salle tallied 27 assists in the game while also making good use of its speed to the tune of 25 fastbreak points.
Dariel Bayla led the Chiefs, who have yet to win in four games, with 19 points and seven boards.