La Salle gets past NU, claims twice-to-beat incentive
By Maxine Louise Lagman
4 November 2017
De La Salle University remained at the top two spot after dispatching the National University, 101-76, Saturday in the UAAP Season 80 men’s basketball tournament at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The Green Archers lifted to an 11-2 card, while sending the Bulldogs in the brink of elimination with a 4-8 record as they have to rely on the other teams to make it in the semifinals.
“We’re taking it one game at a time. After this game, prepare na kami for Ateneo. Every game siguro, we’re getting better kasi sinusunod namin yung game plan ng coaches,” said Ricci Rivero.
La Salle took an early blow out in the second period going on a 23-9 run to take a 43-27 lead and kept the comfortable cushion until the last seconds of the match.
“Every win is a morale booster for us. We want to win this game para mataas confidence namin going to the Final Four,” said team captain Kib Montalbo.
Reigning MVP Ben Mbala powered the Green Archers again with 30 points, eight rebounds, while Rivero chipped in 16 points and six rebounds and a steal.
Meanwhile, Jjay Alejandro finished with 20 points, eight rebounds and five assists along with Enzo Joson, who had 20 points as well in the losing effort.
The Scores:
DLSU 101 – Mbala 30, Rivero R 16, Santillan 9, Montalbo 8, Go 8, Caracut 7, Melecio 5, Tratter 5, Paraiso 5, Baltazar 4, Rivero P 2, Tero 2, Gonzales 0, Capacio 0
