Mbala, Archers humble Baldwin, Eagles

MANILA, Philippines – Benoit Mbala came through with an overpowering performance on both ends and La Salle overwhelmed Ateneo, 98-66, for a fifth straight win and an outright quarterfinals spot in the 2016 Filoil Flying V Preseason Premier Cup at The Arena in San Juan yesterday.

Mbala asserted his dominance at the paint, delivering game highs of 28 points, 16 rebounds and three blocks to lead the Archers to a rout of the Eagles and coach Tab Baldwin in the highly anticipated matchup.

The Cameroonian workhorse also proved to be La Salle’s backbone on defense as the Archers held the Eagles to 14 points in the first quarter and 35 points in the first half, thus,breaking the game open early.

LA Lakers’ Fil-Am guard Jordan Clarkson showed up midway through the second quarter but didn’t stay long, leaving during the halftime break with the Archers enjoying a comfortable 16-point lead, 51-35.

The Archers came out stronger in the second half, sending the Eagles crashing down to a second loss against three wins in Group B.

“We’re working on our team chemistry and we want to make a habit that’s why our game was that intense,” said La Salle coach Aldin Ayo.

“In terms of defense, I’m not contented. For as long as our opponents are breaking our press, I won’t be happy. But we’re getting there,” Ayo also said.

Jeron Teng also had a big game with 24 points while Abu Tratter chipped in 10 points in La Salle’s strongest showing in the pre-season event.

But Mbala easily stood out with his 28-point game marked by at least three thunderous two-handed jams.

“He’s overcome rustiness and he’s settled down. He’s got his rhythm, timing and confidence,” said Ayo of their prized foreign recruit.

Earlier, frontcourt players JV Mocon, Donald Tankoua and William Navarro imposed their strength as San Beda whipped Letran, 84-70, in the keenly awaited duel between the NCAA arch rivals.

Mocon topscored with 19 points that went with eight rebounds, Tankoua collected double-double numbers with 15 markers and 10 boards while Navarro added 15 points as the Lions roared to a fourth win against a lone defeat in the other Group B play.

The Knights held their ground in the first half but crumbled in the second half, and moved on the brink of elimination with a 2-4 slate.

The reigning NCAA titlists must win their last game against the Archers to get a chance at advancing to the quarterfinals.

Earlier in the day, National U grabbed an outright spot in the next round with a 72-68 win over Emilio Aguinaldo College in Group A.

UAAP titleholder Far Eastern U closed in on the leaders in the same group as the Tams clobbered the St. Benilde Blazers, 64-55.

Med Salim, Chino Mosqueda and Rev Diputado fired at least 10 points each, leading the Bulldogs to a fifth win in six games while Prinze Orizu came up with a double-double with 12 markers and 10 boards as the Tams nailed a third win against the same number of losses.

San Beda, the reigning champ in this collegiate warm-up tourney, drew tremendous lift from Mocon and Tankoua as the Lions pulled away from a close 38-34 halftime count.