In their past three outings, the De La Salle University Green Archers have slapped, beaten, and run roughsod over the University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigers, winning by an average of 36.7 points per contest.
In their final outing of the season, the defending champions made sure to re-write the season records, blasting the league’s cellar-dwellers, 94-59 — the biggest margin for the season so far.
“I feel like we played well on defense. We were able to get them to commit a lot of turnovers, and we were able to convert on transition offense,” said reigning MVP Ben Mbala, “And we were able to play good as a team, and stay focused. We just stick to the game plan, basically.”
“Siguro, typical us lang. Yun nga, we started slow,” added Ricci Rivero, “Sabi ni coach, don’t take this team lightly kasi nothing to lose nga, and then, parang sobrang relaxed na sila mag-laro. Yun lang, sabi niya stick to the system and first, defense talaga, that’s it.”
Mbala and Rivero played 19 minutes respectively, with the former finishing with 19 points, nine rebounds, and three blocks, while the latter tallied 16 points, seven rebounds, three assists, two steals, and a block.
And by the second quarter, the game was technically over, as the Green Archers had outscored the Growling Tigers 25-8. Back-to-back baskets by Ricci Rivero and free throws gave La Salle a 38-20 edge during that frame.
Jollo Go and Prince Rivero added 12 and 10 points respectively, while Abu Tratter gobbled up 15 rebounds.
“Things we have to improve on are just the way we approach games and the way we start games. We need to be, we really have to start stronger, because I feel like we had a slow start today,” shared Mbala, “Luckily enough, we were able to catch up, but we have to be able to get into a game with the right mindset and do what we have to do.”
With a 10-2 record, the Green Archers are just one win away from a twice-to-beat advantage. UST fell to an embarassing 0-12 hole, losing their 15th straight game.
Marvin Lee and Steve Akomo were the sole bright spots, if any, for UST. Lee scored a game-high 25 points, while Akomo went 7-for-12 from the field for 14 points to go along with 10 rebounds.
La Salle will next face the National University Bulldogs on Saturday, November 4, at 4:00pm. UST, on the other hand, look to salvage whatever they can for the season starting as they take on the Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles on the same day at 2:00pm.
The Scores
DLSU 94 – Mbala 17, Rivero R 16, Go 12, Rivero P 10, Tratter 8, Caracut 7, Melecio 6, Santillan 6, Capacio 5, Baltazar 4, Montalbo 2, Paraiso 1, Tero 0, Gonzales 0
UST 59 – Lee 25, Akomo 14, Sta. Ana 4, De Guzman 4, Basibas 4, Escalambre 4, Macasaet 2, Soriano 2, Faundo 0, Caunan 0, Romero 0, Kwawukumey 0
Quarterscores: 20-16, 45-24, 77-41, 94-59
