La Salle takes down rival FEU to finish eliminations at 13-1

MANILA, Philippines (UPDATED) – The De La Salle University Green Archers defeated their rival FEU Tamaraws in a closely-fought game, 73-67, to end the elimination round with the top seed and a 13-1 record on Saturday, November 12, at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay.

Led by the clutch heroics of rookie Aljun Melecio and star players Jeron Teng and Ben Mbala, La Salle overcame FEU late in the contest to seal the game and complete a rally from down by as many as 8 points.

Teng led DLSU with 17 points, while Mbala had 16 points and 16 rebounds. Kib Montalbo added 13 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 assists off the bench, while Melecio scored all of his 12 points in the second half.

Alex Inigo led the Tamaraws with 18 points and 8 rebounds, while Allen Trinidad pitched in 16 points mostly on 5 3-pointers.

A Melecio 3 with 1:45 left tied the game at 67. After getting a stop, La Salle turned to Teng who attacked the lane and gave his team a two-point lead. 

FEU then turned the ball over, paving the way for Mbala to score on a put-back which gave DLSU a two-possession lead.

The Green Archers closed the deal from there.

FEU dropped its third straight game, falling to 8-5 in the standings for third place behind the 9-4 Blue Eagles. The Tams have a remaining game on their schedule against UE. – Rappler.com