Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) – The De La Salle University Green Archers edged out Adamson University, 86-79, in probably their toughest match yet in UAAP Season 79 men’s basketball action.
Leading MVP candidate Ben Mbala showed the way for the green and white squad with 18 points and 10 rebounds on Sunday evening at the Mall of Asia Arena.
The Green Archers were pushed to their limits in the final minutes of the payoff period where the Soaring Falcons managed to trim the deficit to a single possession.
But La Salle’s composure proved to be the difference in the end.
With Adamson inching closer, Kib Montalbo sank a dagger three-pointer to stretch the lead to five, 84-79, with 46.7 seconds remaining on the game clock.
A huge turnover by Jonathan Espeleta did not help the Soaring Falcons’ cause.
The Green Archers once again missed the services of team captain Jeron Teng who is still recovering from injury.
Rookie Ricci Rivero contributed 14 points and five rebounds, while Aljun Melecio added 11 points.
La Salle keeps its unscathed record and extends its winning streak to eight.
Jerrick Ahanmisi paced Adamson with 27 points.
The Taft-based squad will next face University of the Philippines on October 15 (Saturday) at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum at 2 p.m.
