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Thursday, March 28, 2024

La Salle prevents Ateneo sweep

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THE Green Archers of La Salle came back from seven points down in the last two minutes to beat the Ateneo De Manila University Blue Eagles, 79-76, in the UAAP Season 80 seniors basketball tournament held yesterday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The loss snapped the winning streak of the Blue Eagles preventing a sweep of the double-round robin elimination and sending both squads to the Final Four.

Ateneo De Manila University Blue Eagle Thirdy Ravena (0) battles La Salle Green Archer Ben Mbala (23) for ball possession. The Green Archers beat the Blue Eagles, 79-76. Lino Santos
 

La Salle stars Ben Mbala and Kib Montalbo virtually took over late in the game to power their team to victory over their bitter rivals. Montalbo was fearless as he drained a jumper which finally pushed Ateneo ahead for good in the last 40.3 seconds while Mbala did a little of everything else as he finished with 28 points and 19 rebounds.

Montalbo found redemption after leading his team to victory. His costly turnover late in the game led to La Salle’s 75-76 defeat to Ateneo in the first round of the eliminations.

The Green Archers thus finished the elimination round with a 12 win, two loss card while handing Ateneo its first loss of the season.

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The Blue Eagles retained their number one seed and will take on the fourth seed Far Eastern University Tamaraws on Sunday at the Araneta Coliseum. La Salle battles the Adamson University Soaring Falcons on Saturday also at the Big Dome.

 Ateneo and La Salle will enjoy a twice-to-beat advantage over their rivals. 

Meanwhile, the University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigers averted a winless season after subduing the University of the East Red Warriors, 88-85, in the earlier game.

UST coach Boy Sablan was emotional as he was surrounded and then embraced by his players after their only victory this season. He said he was proud of his team’s effort as well as the attitude of the players despite the trying conditions.

The Tigers came out strong and posted an early 23-9 lead and then prevented any UE rally to finish with a 1-13 record.

 

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