Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, Novemberr 4) — Ben Mbala proved to all why he is the reigning MVP of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) after towing La Salle past the National University (NU) Bulldogs, 101-76, on Saturday at the Big Dome.
Mbala posted 30 points to lead La Salle, while Ricci Rivero added 16 markers of his own.
A well contested first quarter saw La Salle cradle a 26-20 advantage over the Bulldogs, but went on a tear in the second frame with a 10-0 flurry to lead 36-22.
There was no stopping the Green Archers, who outscored NU, 21-15, in the second quarter to take a 47-35 lead at the halftime interval.
The halftime break didn’t do NU any favors, as La Salle continued to exert their mastery over the Bulldogs and lead 73-57 going into the payoff period.
NU just couldn’t find their range to stage a comeback and failed to slow down the defending champions. NU was forced to absorb their eighth defeat of the season.
JayJay Alejandro and Antonio Joson led NU with 20 points apiece in the losing effort.
The win sees La Salle improve their win-loss slate to 11-2, while NU slipped to a 4-8 record.
With the challenge of facing the undefeated Blue Eagles to end the elimination round looming ahead, Rivero and guard Kib Montalbo are happy with their team’s upward trend going into that particular contest.
“We’re getting better every game kasi sinusundan lang namin ang game plan ng coaches,” Rivero said.
“We had a very good week, and hopefully ma-carry over namin yan next week for the Ateneo game,” Montalbo added.
La Salle face archrivals Ateneo for their penultimate game of the elimination round on Sunday, while look to bounce back on Wednesday against the FEU Tamaraws.
