After a thrilling first round encounter, defending champion De La Salle University managed to limit University of the East and take a 99-78 win, Wednesday in the UAAP Season 80 men’s basketball tournament at the Mall of Asia Arena.
La Salle secures a spot in the Final Four as they improved to a 9-2 card, while UE dropped to 3-8, still in contention for a semifinals spot.
Justine Baltazar’s jumper capped off the Green Archers’ 22-6 run, which provided La Salle a comfortable 40-24 lead in the first half to take full advantage of the ball game.
Their lead extended to as much as 27 points as Baltazar once again knocked down a triple and gave La Salle a 74-47 lead in the contest.
After winning their last four consecutive games in the contest, Ricci Rivero said they should remain focused on the eliminations round and to follow the system.
“Sabi ni coach, we shouldn’t think ahead and one game at a time lang.Yung team kasi namin, malakas lang kapag nag-follow kami sa system and kailangan as one kami, kasi dun kami hindi nahihirapan,” said Rivero.
Ben Mbala topped the game with a double-double record of 25 points and 14 rebounds, while Santi Santillan chipped in another double-double 14 markers and 11 boards.
Rivero chipped in 13 points, six rebounds, three assists and four steals, while Baltazar added another 13 points in the win.
Alvin Pasaol, who recorded a career-high 49 points in their first round encounter against La Salle, had 23 points and nine rebounds, while Mark Olayon added 18 points and seven assists.
The Scores:
DLSU (99) – Mbala 25, Santillan 14, Rivero R 13, Baltazar 13, Melecio 7, Tratter 6, Montalbo 5, Rivero P 4, Caracut 3, Go 3, Gonzales 3, Paraiso 2, Tero 1, Capacio 0.
