DESPITE De La Salle University (DLSU) Coach Aldin Ayo’s suspension from the game and with standout player Jeron Teng sitting out due to injury, DLSU proved that they were no less than an unstoppable team in the first round of the UAAP Men’s Basketball tournament.
The Green Archers was entirely committed to a full-court pressing defense that weakened Ateneo’s offensive state, letting DLSU sweep their seventh win in the season, 97-81 on Sunday at the Mall of Asia Arena.
DLSU’s incredible defense led to 16 steals against Ateneo’s four. It was also a huge advantage for the Archers in the points off turnovers, 33-17.
DLSU Assistant Coach Louie Gonzales acted out as the Archer’s coach during the game and asked the players to just wholly commit to their system and game plan.
“During the half, sinabi ko sakanila na trabahuin pa namin. We have to double the effort, kailangan mapunta kami sa ulo ng kalaban. That’s ‘mayhem’ basketball,” he said.
The ‘Mayhem basketball’ was taught by Ayo to his players, which has been greatly effective in their previous games.
“It’s really a testimony of what Coach Aldin teaches these players. Naging responsible sila throughout the game, and kahit na pagod na sila, they found a way to submit sa coaching staff na hinihingi ng system,” Gonzales added.
Ateneo almost found a way to overcome La Salle with a 6-point lead, but DLSU used a 20-3 run in the second period and took control of the game, which led them to a 27-point lead and never looked back.
Ben Mbala did not failed the supporters present in the game, as he led DLSU and exploded 28 points, 13 rebounds and 5 steals. While Andrei Caracut and Abu Tratter added 14 and 10 points, respectively.
Adrian Wong put on a good fight and finished off with 15 points for Ateneo. Matt Nieto added 13 points.
DLSU stays atop the standings sweeping off the tournament with 7-0. While Ateneo down to third place with 4-3 record.
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