Archers post 2nd win; Knights score

MANILA, Philippines - La Salle notched its second straight victory under new coach Aldin Ayo as the Archers clobbered the University of the East Warriors, 97-75, yesterday to grab the solo lead in the FilOil Flying V Premier Cup at The Arena in San Juan.

Cameroonian Ben Mbala and Jeron Teng fired 24 points apiece as the Taft-based squad dominated UE from start to finish to score a follow-up to its 98-88 victory over Adamson U last week.

“We played tough and we handled their press break pretty well,” said Ayo, who steered Letran to last year’s NCAA championship before moving to La Salle early in the year.

He also took notice of the power-playing Mbala, who will finally suit up in the UAAP this year after failing to see action last year due to eligibility issues.

Mbala spiked his strong offensive game with 15 rebounds, four shot blocks with two steals.

The Warriors, who pulled off a shock 93-91 victory over the Ateneo Eagles last week, dropped to 1-1.

Letran, meanwhile, turned back Lyceum of the Phl U, 89-84, in the other match.

Rey Nambatac shot 12 points highlighted by two triples in the stretch as he powered the Knights to victory and gave their new coach Jeff Napa a big welcome win.

“We need to minimize our turnovers and I’m not yet satisfied with our effort,” said Napa, who steered National U to a number of UAAP high school crowns before moving to Letran.

The Topex Robinson-mentored Pirates, who stunned the Mapua Cardinals, 91-82, last Tuesday, dropped to 1-1.

In juniors’ action, Lyceum, drawing 21 points and 16 rebounds from 6-7 Erlan Umpad, shocked last year’s champion San Beda, 81-78.