La Salle halts Ateneo’s attempt for sweep
The De La Salle University Green Archers foiled the Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles’ bid for a sweep , 79-76, in the UAAP Season 80 men’s basketball tournament at the Smart Araneta Coliseum Sunday.
The Green Archers came through and finished the elimination round with a 12-2 win-loss slate after giving the top seed Blue Eagles their first loss of the season, 13-1, in the last match of the elimination round.
DLSU's big man Ben Mbala attempts to shoot despite Ikeh's block. Photo by Arvin Lim of ABSCBN Sports.
La Salle scored the last 10 points of the match to overcome a 76-69 deficit with 2:24 left.
Kib Montalbo’s jumper with 40.3 seconds to play was the game-winner for the green and white.
Ben Mbala finished strong with 28 points, 19 rebounds, six steals and six blocks, while Ricci Rivero had 21 points and five rebounds for the Taft-based squad.
La Salle finished the elimination round with a seven-game winning streak.
Thirdy Ravena paced with 15 points and eight rebounds, four assists, two steals and a block for the Katipunan-based squad.
Matt Nieto chipped in 12 points while Isaac Go added 13 points, six rebounds and five assists.
Ateneo and La Salle now own a twice-to-beat advantage after topping the elimination round.
The Final Four begins on Nov.8 when the second seed La Salle face the third seed Adamson University Soaring Falcons, while the No. 1 Blue Eagles take on fourth seed Far Eastern University Tamaraws on Nov. 19.
Both games will be held at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Box scores:
La Salle 79 – Mbala 28, Ri. Rivero 21, Tratter 8, Santillan 7, Melecio 6, Montalbo 6, Go 3, Caracut 0, P. Rivero 0, Baltazar 0, Paraiso 0
Ateneo 76 – Ravena 15, Go 13, Ma. Nieto 12, Verano 9, Mendoza 7, Asistio 6, Tolentino 6, Ikeh 4, Porter 3, Mi. Nieto 1, Mamuyac 0, Black 0
Quarter scores:
17-22; 37-35; 54-63; 79-76