MANILA, Philippines – Ben Mbala dominated Alfred Aroga in a duel of imports as La Salle romped off with a 113-88 rout of National U yesterday to nail its 10th straight victory for at least a playoff for a Final Four incentive in the 79th UAAP men’s basketball tournament at The Arena in San Juan.
The Cameroonian ran roughshod over Aroga in their second faceoff and practically all his other NU defenders as he came away with a double-double of 28 points and 14 rebounds, including seven on the offensive end. He also had shot blocks that more than made up for his eight turnovers.
In contrast, Aroga struggled with early foul woes, missing his first three field goal attempts and finishing with just two points off free throws in a 15-minute stint.
The loss dropped NU to No. 5 with a 4-6 mark.
La Salle, which also beat NU, 75-66, in the first round, likewise set a number of league records, including season-high on points scored, points in the paint (68), fastbreak points (30), second chance points (30) and points off turnovers (36).
The Archers’ 113-point effort was also the second highest score recorded in the league since Ateneo routed UST, 114-78, a decade ago.
But La Salle coach Aldin Ayo downplayed the new league marks, saying he was more concerned on winning.
“We just wanted a win,” he said.
Meanwhile, Far Eastern U athletic director Mark Molina said Nash Racela will remain as the Tams coach following reports that the latter has been appointed the new head coach of TNT KaTropa in the PBA.
The Bulldogs actually took charge early, 14-4, with JJ Alejandro and Rev Diputado on the firing end. But Aroga committed his second foul early, forcing NU mentor Eric Altamirano to rest him.
With Aroga out, Mbala and the Archers stepped up their attack and seized a 50-38 lead late in the second period but the NU locals struck back and cut the lead to 49-56 at the break.
Earlier, Ateneo waylaid University of the East, 75-61, to stay at No. 3 at 5-4.
Jose Mendoza and Thirdy Ravena came off the bench to fire 15 and 14 points, respectively, as the Eagles arrested a two-game skid to get back into the thick of things.
Mendoza uncorked a 10-point splurge in the second quarter as Ateneo turned a 16-23 first quarter deficit into a 42-37 halftime lead.
The Eagles then dominated the second half, leading by 12 after the third quarter and then pouring it all out in the fourth to post the 14-point romp.