DLSU Green Archers demolish UST Growling Tigers

(Ben Mbala attempting to score a bucket against the Growling Tigers. Photo from Josh Albelda of Rappler.)

De La Salle University (DLSU) Green Archers destroyed the hapless University of Santo Tomas (UST) Growling Tigers, 94-59, in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 80 Men’s Basketball Tournament on Sunday at the Mall of Asia (MOA) Arena.

La Salle pulled away in the second quarter, displaying their trademark “mayhem” defense translating into easy buckets outscoring UST, 25-8, which built a 21 point cushion at halftime, 45-24.

UST Tigers showed some brilliance in the first quarter, going toe-to-toe with DLSU, with Marvin Lee and Steve Akomo pouring eight and six markers in the first frame, trailing by just four at the end, 16-20.

The Espana-based squad only shot seven free throws compared to the 19 freebies of the Archers.

“Binibigay naman namin yung best namin […] gagawin na lang aral namin yung mga nangyari dito,” UST guard Marvin Lee on their performace this season, now at 0-12.

Ben Mbala dominated the stat sheet with 17 points, nine rebounds and three blocks while Ricci Rivero added 16 markers, seven caroms and a block.

Lee led UST with 25 points and seven boards, while Akomo contributed a double-double of 14-10 plus five steals.

La Salle rose to 10-2 in the win.

DLSU Green Archers will then face the NU Bulldogs on November 4 at the Big dome while the UST Growling Tigers next face the undefeated ADMU Blue Eagles on the same date at the same venue.