DE LA SALLE University continued to be “green” in Season 79 of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines, rolling to its 12th straight win yesterday to keep its spotless record intact.
The lone team left sans a loss, the Green Archers defeated the hapless University of the East Red Warriors, 95-66, in their UAAP opening set-to at the Smart Araneta Coliseum to move a step closer to a sweep of the elimination round.
La Salle used a fast start, behind big man Ben Mbala, to set the pace in their favor.
The leading most valuable player candidate had 10 of his total points in the opening canto to help his team to a 24-15 cushion at the of the first frame.
UE came out aggressive in the second quarter with its pressing defense, managing to cut down the lead to four, 27-23.
The Archers, however, would stand firm and establish control and take a 10-point lead, 37-27, at halftime.
Mbala, with help from Jeron Teng, once again stood tall on both ends of the court in the third period for La Salle just as UE tried to rally back. They extended their cushion to 22 points, 70-48.
In the fourth period, despite giving their bench extended minutes, the Archers showed no let-up and continued to pound on the Warriors.
UE mounted a mini run halfway into the payoff period but only managed to slice its deficit to only 15 points, 77-62, as Teng and Thomas Torres led the Archers in stemming the tide on the way to victory.
Mbala showed the way for La Salle with 26 points, 20 rebounds and four blocks.
Teng had 20, 10 points coming in the third period.
Guard Torres had 11 and rookie Aljun Melecio had nine, all coming from beyond the arc.
Alvin Pasaol top-scored for the Warriors with 17 points.
“Happy with our 12th win of the season. More than just the victories, I can see that the team is progressing well. We are playing better as a team,” said Coach Aldin Ayo after their win just as he said there are still facets of their game that need improvement.
Now at 12-0, La Salle is two wins away from completing a sweep of the eliminations. It has already secured a twice-to-beat advantage in the Final Four.
The Red Warriors (2-9), for their part, remain at the bottom and have lost three straight after winning back-to-back games previously.
