Archers clinch PCCL title slot

Rookie Ben Mbala showcased his best game yet as La Salle swept past undermanned Far Eastern University, 74-61, to clinch the first title berth of the Philippine Collegiate Champions League (PCCL) Monday at Ynares Sports Arena.

Mbala pumped in 20 points and pulled down 12 rebounds while Jeron Teng (14 points) and Prince Rivero (12 points, 13 rebounds and six assists) also delivered to help power the Archers to leads as many as 19 points, 73-54, in the second half.

“We went big—we used (Abu) Tratter, Mbala and Rivero at the same time,” said La Salle coach Juno Sauler. “We tried to control the rebounds.”

The Archers, who pulled off a 4-0 sweep of their group in the Elite Eight round, will defend their crown against either University of San Carlos (3-1) or San Beda, which bested National University, 75-62, in the other match.

Ola Adeogun (20 points and 10 rebounds) and Art dela Cruz (18 and 10) came out with double-double efforts as the Red Lions nailed their second win in three outings.

The Tamaraws—who had to do without star forward Mac Belo and other veterans who saw action in the PBA D-League—dropped out of title contention along with the Bulldogs.

“I think the difference in the second half is the aggressiveness of the players,” said acting San Beda coach Adonis Tierra.

The scores:

First Game
SAN BEDA 75—Adeogun 20, Dela Cruz 18, Amer 8, Mendoza 6, Sara 5, Tankoua 5, Mocon 5, Koga 4, Sorela 2, Prebitero 2, Cabanag 0, Soberano 0.
NU 62—Alolino 16, Aroga 14, Rosario 8, Alejandro 7, Diputado 7, Javelona 6, Khobuntin 2, Perez 2, Salim, 0, Neypes 0,Tasingco 0, Betayene 0, Celada 0.
Quarters: 17-17, 34-40, 55-46, 75-62
Second Game
LA SALLE 74—Mbala 20, Teng 14, Rivero 12, Torres 7, Salem 6, Tratter 5, Montalbo 5, Bolick 5, Pascual 0, Mustre 0, Muyang 0.
FEU 61—Trinidad 12, Tamsi 11, Orizu 10, Tolomia 7, Delfinado 6, Lee Yu 6, Escoto 5, Pogoy 4, Denila 0, Ebona 0.
Quarters: 18-11, 37-33, 60-46, 74-61