La Salle batters Adamson

(Ben Mbala attempting a shot. Photo from Josh Albelda/ abs cbn sports)

The De La Salle University Green Archers squeaked past Adamson Soaring Falcons, 85-73, in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 80 men's basketball tournament on Wednesday, September 20, at the Mall of Asia (MOA) arena in Pasay City.

La Salle squandered a 24 point lead, but did just enough to salvage.

"That was a bad win, we started strong but down the stretch we committed lots of mistakes," DLSU head coach Aldin Ayo on his team's performance.

The Green Archers started out on fire, tripling the output of the Falcons in the first quarter, 36-12.

After trailing by 22 points at halftime, Adamson outscored La Salle in the third, 28-15, to cut the lead to nine points entering the fourth canto, 61-70.

Ben Mbala, fresh from his stint with Cameroon in AfroBasket, led DLSU with a career-best 32 points including two triples, a new addition to his offensive arsenal.

Robbie Manalang paced Adamson with 16 markers on a poor 3/14 shooting.

DLSU remains unbeaten after three games, while Adamson fell to a 1-2 record.

La Salle will play UP Fighting Maroons on September 23 at the Mall of Asia arena, while Adamson will face NU Bulldogs on September 24 at the same venue.