Archers get payback, halt Eagles' 13-game win streak

MANILA, Philippines — De La Salle University pulled the rug on the Ateneo de Manila University, 79-76, to deal the Blue Eagles their first loss in the UAAP Season 80 men’s basketball tournament, Sunday night at the Big Dome.

The Green Archers mounted a 10-0 run with 2:24 left on the game clock a 12-point cushion erected by their archrivals.

Ben Mbala proved why he was the reigning Most Valuable Player of the league, posting a monstrous statline of 28 points and 19 rebounds to lead the Green Archers.

Kib Montalbo, who had been struggling in the scoring department, drilled a go-ahead floater to give the Archers the lead with 40.3 remaining in the game.

Isaac Go of Ateneo had a chance to turn their foes back off a brilliant play at the final moments of the cardiac tussle, but the Cameroonian’s imposing presence proved to be too much for the Blue Eagle.

"Big win. We got lucky in the end game, especially Isaac Go's semi hook. It was uncontested. Luckily it did not go in. I have to commend the players for their effort, for sticking to the game plan especially during the end game," said head coach Aldin Ayo, who rejoined the post-game press conferences after skipping it for eight straight games.

Ricci Rivero, who secured the rebound off Go’s miss, scattered 21 points. He shot the final two freebies that iced the game for the Green Archers and contested Anton Asistio's bid to send the game in overtime.

"Actually, it will be easy for us because there is going to be a step-ladder before we play Adamson, Adamson will have to play FEU," Ayo said. We still have the twice-to-beat. But since its La Salle - Ateneo, we're not going to back down, we're just going to compete."

"After nung foul nag-pray na lang talaga ako. Hindi ko kaya gawin anything if hindi Niya ako tutulungan. Prinactice ko naman siya every before and after practice so yun lang, kailangan magtiwala ka rin sa sarili mo and kailangan i- offer mo rin siya kay God kasi Siya naman ang source of everything," Rivero said of his freethrows.

The victory formalizes the Final Four skirmish, which begins this coming Saturday at the Big Dome. The defending champions will begin their bid for a repeat against the Soaring Falcons. The Blue Eagles, for their part, will face the Tamaraws in the nightcap.

BOX SCORES

DLSU 79 – Mbala 28, Rivero R 21, Tratter 8, Santillan 7, Melecio 6, Montalbo 6, Go 3, Caracut 0, Rivero P 0, Baltazar 0, Paraiso 0

ATENEO 76 – Ravena 15, Go 13, Nieto Ma 12, Verano 9, Mendoza 7, Asistio 6, Tolentino 6, Ikeh 4, Porter 3, Nieto Mi 1, Mamuyac 0, Black 0

QUARTER SCORES: 17-22, 37-35, 54-63, 79-76