UP KNOCKS DOWN 16 3’S TO TAKE DOWN DEFENDING CHAMPS LA SALLE
By Maxine Louise Lagman
23 September 2017
University of the Philippines ran like wildfire and left a smoking trail of victory as they burned down the defending champion De La Salle University, 98-87 on Saturday in the UAAP Season 80 men’s basketball tournament at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Paul Desiderio put the mayhem against La Salle and exploded 18 of his 30 points from beyond the arc on top of six rebounds and five assists to boost the Fighting Maroons.
Ben Mbala knocked down four triples in the first quarter, but the Fighting Maroons was not bothered, only motivated to keep on fighting.
“Whatever happened, we did not panic and we were able to get back despite the torrid shooting of Ben in the beginning,” said UP Coach Bo Perasol.
Brothers Javi and Juan Gomez De Liano combined for 14 points in the first half, which helped UP cut down La Salle’s 14-point lead.
Meanwhile, rookie guard Jun Manzo, made it big for the Fighting Maroons as well. Manzo scored five straight points, including a booming tripe that extended UP’s lead to 11 points, 88-77.
“I may be a little bit ashamed to admit this, but in the days coming over to this game, my thoughts really are parang you’re up against a powerhouse team. Iniisip mo nalang is what good can you get out of that,” added Perasol.
UP earned their second straight win to have a 3-1 slate in the team standings, while the Green Archers were handed their first loss in the season.
Manzo finished with 17 points, while the Gomez de Liano brothers had 10 points apiece.
On the other hand, Ben Mbala had 34 points and 12 rebounds. Andrei Caracut and Ricci Rivero added 15 and 12 points respectively, but it was not enough to keep the Green Archers atop the Maroons.
The Scores:
UP 98 – Desiderio 30, Manzo 17, Gomez de Liano Ju 10, Gomez de Liano Ja 10, Lim 6, Ouattara 6, Jaboneta 6, Dario 5, Romero 4, Ricafort 2, Prado 2, Harris 0, Vito 0, Lao 0
DLSU 87 – Mbala 34, Caracut 15, Rivero R 12, Rivero P 9, Melecio 5, Montalbo 5, Santillan 5, Paraiso 2, Tratter 0, Go 0
Quarterscores: 18-27, 47-43, 66-65, 98-87
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