THE De La Salle University Green Archers continued to roll in Season 79 of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines menโs basketball, beating the University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigers, 99-56, to win their 11th straight game and keep their unblemished record.
Struggled from the starting block in their Sunday opening game at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, it did not take long for Taft-based La Salle to flex its collective muscles on both ends of the court to put away the game as early as the end of the first half to extend its winning streak.
The Green Archers held a four-point lead at the end of the opening canto, 19-15, before they put the pedal to the metal in the second quarter, outscoring the Tigers, 26-8, to take a commanding 45-23 lead by halftime.
La Salle continued to pound it on UST in the third period, racing to a 23-14 scoring edge to keep its control of the match.
It showed no letup in the fourth period even with its reserves playing much of the time. The Green Archers built their biggest lead of the game of 46 points, 93-47, with two minutes left.
The 43-point separation was another wide-margin win for La Salle over Season 79 host UST. In the first round, the Green Archers beat the Tigers, 100-62.
It also pushed La Salle (11-0) a step a closer to a sweep of the elimination round. The teamโs remaining games will see it face University of the East, rival Ateneo University and defending champion Far Eastern University in that order.
Leading most valuable player candidate Ben Mbala led the way for La Salle with 21 points, 15 rebounds and five blocks. He hit five-of-seven from the field and 11-of-15 from the charity line.
Jeron Teng had 16 points, four rebounds and three assist while rookie Justine Baltazar had a double-double of 10 points and 12 rebounds.
Meanwhile, with the loss, UST (3-8) was sent crashing back after breaking a five-game losing streak in its previous game.
It was led by senior Louie Vigil yesterday with 18 points and seven rebounds.
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