Teng, Mbala shine as La Salle ends UP’s winning run

MANILA, Philippines (UPDATED) – Led by the strong play of the returning Jeron Teng and big man Ben Mbala, the DLSU Green Archers put an end to the winning streak of the UP Fighting Maroons and remained undefeated through 9 games, 78-72, on Saturday, October 15, at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum in Cubao.

After going ahead big early, 25-9, La Salle surrendered its lead and allowed UP to get within 3 points in the third quarter. The Maroons, however, ran out of steam in the final period as Mbala and company put the finishing touches on another win.

Teng, who came back after missing his team’s last two games (bone spur), scored 21 points to go with 5 rebounds. Mbala finished with 17 points plus 20 boards, while Thomas Torres had 13 points and 4 boards.

Rookies Aljun Melecio and Ricci Rivero each scored 9 points in the win, which gave DLSU a league-best 9-0 record.

UP, now down to 3-7, was led by the 16 points and 8 rebounds of Paul Desiderio. Jett Manuel added 13 points, while rookie Javi Gomez De Liano cored 11 points in only 13.2 minutes. 

UP shot 50% from the floor but turned the ball over 33 times, leading to 26 DLSU points. The Green Archers hit only 34% of their attempts but out-rebounded the Maroons, 52-39. – Rappler.com