CEU, La Salle dispute last slot in Elite 8

MANILA, Philippines - Defending champion La Salle and NAASCU winner Centro Escolar University disposed of separate rivals yesterday and will dispute the last berth in the Elite Eight after beating separate rivals in the Luzon-Metro Manila stepladder phase of the Champions League (PCCL) at the First Asia Institute of Technology and Humanities (FAITH) gym in Tanauan City, Batangas.

Prized recruit Ben Mbala made a surprise appearance and powered the Green Archers to a 67-62 victory over the Jose Rizal University Heavy Bombers, while center Rod Ebondo took charge for the Scorpions, who romped to a 68-56 win over NAASCU rival St. Clare Saints.

La Salle and CEU clash today at the same venue with the winner joining UAAP champion National University, NCAA titlist San Beda, CESAFI kingpin Southwestern University, Far Eastern University, Arellano University, University of San Carlos and University of the Visayas in the Elite Eight.

The Elite Eight will start on Thursday at the Cebu City Coliseum.

The Cameroonian-born Mbala, who will be eligible to play in next season’s UAAP campaign, had nine points and 14 rebounds as the Green Archers controlled the game from the start.

Mbala, who underwent a two-year residency after transferring from Southwestern, was inserted in La Salle’s PCCL lineup in lieu of the absence of Arnold Van Opstal, Jason Perkins and Norbert Torres.

Earlier, Ebondo made 10 points, 13 rebounds and two blocks as the Scorpions outclassed the Saints in the rematch of their NAASCU title series last September.

Ebondo was ably supported by Alfred Batino, Joseph Sedurifa, Samboy de Leon, JA Casino and Alvin Abundo to put CEU a win shy of making the Elite Eight for the first time.

The Champions League (PCCL) National Collegiate Championship is sponsored by ABS-CBN, Phoenix Petroleum, Molten Balls, Fil-Oil Flying V Sports, Fog City Creamery and Foccacia. Tickets are available at SM Tickets online.