CAMEROONIAN big man Ben Mbala vowed to play smarter, if not better in Game 2 of the La Salle Green Archers’ best of three finals with the Ateneo Blue Eagles.
The 6’7” Mbala, who will be awarded the season MVP honors this Wednesday, is aware that the opposing team is working hard to stop him.
Their double teams and even their triple teams are forcing him to commit errors and turnovers.
“Looking at the stats sheet, I had five turnovers. I think it’s due to their double team and their defense on me on the post,” said Mbala after the Green Archers took Game 1 of the 79th University Athletic Association of the Philippines men’s basketball finals with a 67-65 win over Ateneo.
Mbala feels that he should be able adjust to the defense of the Eagles accordingly.
The Green Archers are a win away from their ninth crown and they can get it if they prevail in Game 2.
Mbala topped the overall stats race with 92.4286 points, beating teammate Jeron Teng for the MVP plum.
Teng settled for the Mythical Five awards with Mbala with 57.23 points. Another teammate, Aljun Melecio, was adjudged the Rookie of the Year.
Reymar Jose of Far Eastern University is also in the Mythical 5 with University of the Philippines’ Paul Desiderio and Thirdy Ravena of Ateneo.
Afril Bernardino of NU is the women’s MVP recipient.
Mbala, who averages 20.7 points and 16 rebounds, made 20 points and 15 rebounds in Game 1.