Mbala, Rivero combine for 47 as La Salle rip UP

The DLSU Green Archers dominated the UP Fighting Maroons to get back on the winning column with an 85-62 victory on Sunday.

Ben Mbala led La Salle with 27 points and 14 rebounds, while Ricci Rivera poured in 20 points with nine coming in the final 10 minutes to foil any comeback attempt from UP. Kib Montalbo and Jolo combined for 20, while big men Santi Santillan and Justine Baltazar conspired for 10 more markers.

Ben Mbala of DLSU attempts a slam dunk against Juan Gomez De Liano of UP during their match in the UAAP Season 80 Basketball game in San Juan Arena on Sunday. Photo: KC Cruz

The Archers led for most of the game, stretching their advantage to as many as 28 points at one point. UP, however, could not capitalize, as their main gunner Paul Desiderio was held to a 15 percent shooting clip after hitting just 2 of his 13 shots. 

UP was held to just 33 percent from the field, with an even worse 28 percent from beyond the arc. They were also out-rebounded by the Archers, 49-36.

Jun Manzo was the only Maroon in double figures with 13, while Ibrahim Quattara scored nine, Desiderio and Juan Gomez de Liano added seven points each. — LA, GMA News