De La Salle University continues its rampage leaving the University of Santo Tomas bruised and battered after the 40 minute affair.
The league-leading Green Archers lambasted season hosts Growling Tigers with a blowout, 100-62, to go to 3-0 Wednesday evening at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
This was the largest margin of victory since 2006 when the Blue Eagles defeated the Growling Tigers by 36 points, 114-78.
Coach Aldin Ayo’s trademark mayhem defense was able to squeeze out 40 UST turnovers in the game that led to 34 points. Moreover, the towering La Salle frontline out-rebounded UST 59 to 41 that translated to a whopping 26 to 0 second chance points advantage.
“This is what happens when we play as a team,” a finally pleased coach Ayo said. “Ever since naman, that’s what we’re working on: developing chemistry and executing the game plan.”
Ben Mbala led the La Salle rampage with his third straight double-double with 18 points and 16 rebounds.
From just a 34-32 lead for the Green Archers late in the second stanza, the high-octane La Salle offense blasted a game-breaking 33-9 run that gave the Green-side a 67-41 lead with 4:31 remaining in the third canto. The Cameroonian student-athlete scored 10 points during the rally while Jeron Teng poured in six of his 13 points during that span.
“‘Yun ang game changer. How we started the third canto,” Ayo reflected.
In the final frame, even the third stringers of the Green Archers joined in on the act. Rookies Aljun Melecio and Ricci Rivero were able to showcase their talents during the limited minutes given to them. The younger Rivero was able to add one to the highlight reel as well with an emphatic breakaway reverse dunk to help extend La Salle’s lead to 40 points, 100-60.
Another rookie that made use of his exposure was UAAP Season 78 Finals MVP Justine Baltazar. In just 12 minutes of action, he was able to notch eights caroms and swatted away five shots.
Thomas Torres and Abu Tratter added 11 and 10 points respectively with Tratter adding nine rebounds to his statline.
For the Growling Tigers, Renzo Subido led the team for the second straight game with 18 points on 6-of-14 shooting. However, the junior committed nine turnovers. Jon Sheriff added 11 points.
The DLSU Green Archers (3-0) look to keep its perfect run intact on Sunday, September 18 as they face fellow undefeated team National University (2-0) at 2:00pm. The Growling Tigers (1-2), on the other hand, will next face the UP Fighting Maroons (1-2) a day before at 2:00pm. Both games will be played at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum.
The Scores:
DLSU (100) – Mbala 18, Teng 13, Torres 11, Tratter 10, Melecio 8, Montalbo 8, Sargent 7, Go 7, Rivero R 5, Caracut 5, Rivero P 3, Paraiso 3, Baltazar 2, Dyke 0.
UST (62) – Subido 18, Sheriff 11, Faundo 5, Vigil 5, Basibas 5, Afoakwah 4, Lao 4, Macasaet 3, Bonleon 3, Caunan 2, Huang 2, De Guzman 0, Lee 0, Arana 0.
Quarterscores: 23-19, 44-35, 73-49, 100-62.
