Green Archers rout Fighting Maroons

(Reigning MVP Ben Mbala attempting a layup. Photo from Josh Albelda/ ABS-CBN Sports)

De La Salle University (DLSU) Green Archers finally got their revenge from the University of the Philippines (UP) Fighting Maroons with an 85-62 win in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 80 Men’s Basketball Tournament on Sunday at the Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan.

DLSU high-flying guard Ricci Rivero poured nine of his 20 points in the final frame to seal the vengeful victory, after they lost to UP in their first round meeting.

Fighting Maroons’ multiple attempts to cut the lead was not enough to stop the consistent play of the DLSU which widened the gap to 20 at the end of third, 65-45.

UP shot 9/32 from the rainbow country, a far cry from their UAAP record 16 made triples in their first round win over La Salle.

Big man Ben Mbala switched to small forward position and limited UP main gunner Paul Desiderio to just seven markers on 2/13 shooting. Mbala finished with 27 points, 14 rebounds and three assists.

Jun Manzo was the lone Fighting Maroon to reach double digits, finishing with 13 markers.

The Green Archers’ vengeful triumph placed them still at the second spot with a 7-2 record, while the Fighting Maroons dropped to 4-5.

DLSU Green Archers will next face the Adamson University (AdU) Soaring Falcons on October 21 at the Big Dome, while the UP Fighting Maroons will next confront the University of the East (UE) Red Warriors on October 22 at the Filoil Flying V Centre. SHAYLA RAE ROMERO