THE match between the De La Salle University (DLSU) Green Archers and University of the East (UE) Red Warriors was a mere copy of ‘survival of the fittest’. It was a tough game that asked for the worthy team who would last the physicality of fouls and heated arguments inside the court.
DLSU Coach Aldin Ayo was even ejected in the second quarter after arguing with the referee, which almost left the Archers bowing out to UE. But Kib Montalbo and Prince Rivero’s perfect free throw shots sealed the win for La Salle, 84-78 on Wednesday at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Ayo was ejected from the game after confronting referee Eric Viray about a call that involved UE’s Will Bartolome shoving Thomas Torres. Ayo was furious about what he felt was a non-call and mockingly fit the eyeglasses to the referee that he snatched from his assistant coach.
Because of an automatic one-game suspension under league rules, Ayo will have to miss the next game between DLSU and Ateneo.
“No comment. I have nothing good to say so I won’t say anything,” said Ayo after the game.
Despite his ejection from the game, the Archers still claimed their sixth win in the season. While UE stays winless, 0-6.
UE almost took over DLSU with two minutes left, as Alvin Pasaol scored for UE, closing the score to 78-74. But DLSU’s Caracut shot three, with Montalbo and Rivero’s free throw shots in the last second and capped off the game.
Ben Mbala led DLSU with 19 points, 17 rebounds and three blocks. Rookie Justine Baltazar added 14 points and 9 boards with Rivero’s 11 points and eight rebounds.
Pasaol led UE with 22 points and six rebounds.
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