LA Salle was simply too strong for University of the East, scoring a 95-66 victory in a match of leader against tailender on Wednesday in the UAAP Season 79 basketball tournament at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The Green Archers have won 12 straight, two victories away from an elims sweep, while dealing the eliminated Warriors their ninth loss in 11 outings.
Ben Mbala again led La Salle's attack with 26 points, 20 rebounds, and four blocks. Jeron Teng added 20 markers while Thomas Torres chipped in 11.
But La Salle coach Aldin Ayo remained unimpressed despite another dominant performance from his wards, especially in the rebounding department.
"Umaangat na yung level ng laro namin pero may mga aspects pa na kailangan pa namin trabahuhin," said Ayo, whose team dominated the boards, 71-34.
The Taft-based cagers burst from the gates and dumped the Red Warriors in a 24-15 hole after the opening quarter. The Green Archers kept the engine humming and sparked a 10-0 rally in the third period to erect a 20-point lead, 58-38, which the Red Warriors never managed to overcome.
Alvin Pasaol was the lone bright spot for the UE with 17 points and five rebounds.
The Scores:
DLSU 95 – Mbala 26, Teng 20, Torres 11, Melecio 9, Perkins 7, Tratter 6, Rivero R 5, Rivero P 5, Sargent 4, Baltazar 2, Montalbo 0, Caracut 0, Paraiso 0, Dyke 0
UE 66 – Pasaol 17, Bartolome 9, Derige 9, Batiller 8, Abanto 6, Varilla 5, Charcos 4, Gagate 4, Manalang 2, Olayon 2, Palma 0, De Leon 0, Armenion 0
Quarterscores: 24-15, 37-27, 70-48, 95-66
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