DLSU Green Archers nip UE Red Warriors, clinch Final Four spot

(Ben Mbala escaping the clutches of two Warriors. Photo source: Rappler Sports)

The De La Salle University (DLSU) Green Archers dismantled the University of the East (UE) Red Warriors, 99-78, in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 80 Men’s Basketball tournament last Wednesday at the Mall of Asia Arena, Pasay City.

Green Archers cruised to a wire-to-wire win which led by as high as 27 points, displaying a balanced team effort dishing 27 dimes.

The Taft-based team was unrelentless on both ends of the court, ending the third canto up big, 77-55.

La Salle big men gave a remarkable performance with Ben Mbala scoring 25 points and grabbing 14 rebounds and Santi Santillan punching in 14 markers and pulling 11 boards.

DLSU sophomore Justine Baltazar was very efficient with 13 points and three blocks in 13 minutes.

Alvin Pasaol led the Warriors with 23 points on an 8/19 shooting, a far cry from his 49 in their first round matchup. DLSU made Ben Mbala defend Pasaol a lot of times.

DLSU improved to 9-2 and officially clinched a final four berth, while UE fell to second-worst with a 3-8 slate.

The UE Warriors will try to tarnish Ateneo De Manila University’s immaculate record on Saturday, October 28 at the Mall of Asia Arena, while the DLSU Archers will face the winless University of Santo Tomas on Sunday, October 29 at the same venue.