Archers slay Eagles, force rubber match against Ateneo
The De La Salle University (DLSU) Green Archers overtook the Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU) Blue Eagles, 92-83, in an epic Finals Game 2 of the UAAP Season 80 men's basketball tournament at the Smart Araneta Coliseum Wednesday.
Ateneo blew a huge double-digit lead of 21 points that led the Archers to victory, blowing as well their 1-0 lead in the Finals series and forcing a third game against defending champion La Salle.
The Eagles reigned in the first quarter, banking bucket after bucket along with Anton Asistio's three triples that helped the team sail smoothly to end the starting period with a 17-point lead, 32-15.
Ben Mbala jumps for a basket. Photo from Rappler.
Ateneo outmatched La Salle, seeing their lead grow to a jaw-dropping 21 points, 49-28, but Ben Mbala and Ricci Rivero sparked the Archers' excellent offense and defense by the second canto to cut the Eagles' lead down to nine, 51-42.
The Archers continued to outscore the Eagles throughout the third quarter and made sure they kept them at bay during the final period, sealing the match for the Taft-based squad.
Two-time MVP Mbala led the Green Archers with a double-double of 20 points and 16 rebounds, while Thirdy Ravena paced the Blue Eagles with 20 markers, 6 boards and 4 dishes.
Game 3 of the Finals match between the Green Archers and the Blue Eagles will be on Dec. 3 at 4 pm at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. M.D. D.G. Baleros
Box scores:
DLSU 92 - Mbala 20, Rivero 18, Caracut 13, Melecio 12, Montalbo 9, Santillan 8, Rivero 8, Tratter 4, Tero 0, Go 0, Baltazar 0
ADMU 83 - Ravena 20, Black 15, Asistio 13, Go 11, Nieto 10, Ikeh 6, Mendoza 5, Tolentino 2, Tio 1, Verano 0, Nieto 0, Mamuyac 0, Porter 0
Quarter scores:
15-32, 42-51, 68-59, 92-83