Eagles rip Lions, seal rematch with Tigers

MANILA, Philippines - Ateneo turned what was expected to be a down-to-the-wire duel with San Beda into a virtual workout as the UAAP champions blasted the NCAA titlists, 66-49, to arrange a title rematch with University of Santo Tomas in the Philippine Collegiate Champions League at The Arena in San Juan yesterday.

The Eagles shut down the Lions in the third quarter, 20-5, turning a shaky 28-26 lead at halftime to a whopping 48-31 bulge going into the last 10 minutes of the game.

It was a cruise from there.

The victory thus sent the Eagles to a best-of-three showdown with the Tigers, who swept their first two games to clinch the first finals berth.

Game One of the finals is set tomorrow with Game Two slated on Thursday. A decider, if necessary, will be held Nov. 30.

“We executed our defensive plan to perfection,” said Ateneo’s interim coach Gabby Severino.

Nico Salva took charge for Ateneo in the first half, firing nine points and helping the Eagles grab a two-point edge at the break.

Earlier, reigning Cebu champion Southwestern U drew strength from Cameroonian rookie Benoit Mbala’s 41-point explosion as it repulsed UST, 93-91, in overtime of a non-bearing game.

The Lions sorely missed the services of Nigerian behemoth Ola Adeogun and Arthur dela Cruz due to injuries. They dispute third place honors with the Cobras, also tomorrow.

The 18-year-old, 6-6 Mbala, one of SWU’s rookie recruits from Africa, made 13 of the 27 shots while making 15 of the 18 free throws. He spiked his heroics with game-high 16 rebounds and four blocks.

“We have a team with an average age of 19 years old so this team is really young and inexperienced,” said SWU coach Yayoy Alcoseba. “That’s why we cherish playing in this kind of tournament because we’re gaining experience playing here.

“Now if we win, that will be just a bonus.”

Mbala’s impressive performance has also drawn raves so much that several Metro Manila schools have started inquiring about him.