Even the reigning MVP could not stop UE’s scoring sensation
Despite being guarded by the 6-foot-7 Ben Mbala, University of the East Red Warriors’ Alvin Pasaol still managed to produce 23 points in their last game against defending champions De La Salle University Green Archers.
Although UE eventually lost to DLSU, 78-99, Pasaol still kept his head high, as he was able to put up his numbers against the Cameroonian student-athlete.
“Mukhang okay lang naman [yung performance ko] eh. Sobrang malaki lang talaga siya [Ben Mbala],” quipped Pasaol, who had nine rebounds and two steals to complement his markers.
“Siguro siya 25 [points] yata siya eh, tapos ako 23 [points], not bad naman sa akin. At least konti lang,” the UE sophomore furthered.
Pasaol is not the first “Ben Mbala-in-the-forward-position-defense” casualty.
Last October 15, Mbala limited UP’s Paul Desiderio to just seven points. Compared to Desiderio, the top gunner of the Red Warriors handled the challenge better, even topping his norms of 22.2 points and 7.1 rebounds per game.
“Nung last game pa namin, siyempre alam na namin na siya [Mbala] dedepensa sa akin kasi ginawa nga nila yun sa UP. Kailangan i-drive ko na rin talaga sa kanya kasi sobrang laki niya talaga,” the 22-year-old shared.
It was just unfortunate that his still-solid performance did not translate to a win against the defending champions.
“Siguro na-intimidate lang siguro yung ibang players namin so parang di sila sanay. Siyempre yung matchup sa akin, siyempre pride din nila [DLSU] yun lalo na sa nangyari nung last game,” expressed Pasaol, who had tallied a record 49 points during their first game against the Green Archers, which ended at 100-106.
The Red Warriors have three games left for the elimination round, and Pasaol simply wants his teammates to keep working as a team to rake in more wins.
“Hindi naman mananalo ang isang team kung di magtutulungan. Hindi na kami ma-iintimidate uli.”
