BIG man Ben Mbala is expected to come up with another eye-catching performance as the La Salle Green Archers battle the University of Santo Tomas Tigers at 4 p.m. today at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The last time around, the 6’7” Mbala dominated the paint for the Green Archers when they upended the University of the Philippines Maroons, 89-74, last Saturday in the 79th University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) men’s basketball tournament.
He tallied 30 points and 14 rebounds, and shot 12-of-15 from the field in carrying the Green Archers to their second win in as many games.
La Salle is seeking its third straight win and a firm grip of the solo lead, while UST will be looking to follow up its victory over UE in its last game.
Earlier, the defending champions Far Eastern University Tamaraws (1-1) take on the Ateneo De Manila Blue Eagles at 2 p.m.
With a go-to guy like Mbala sure to deliver for the team, coach Aldin Ayo is turning to other matters that need to be fixed in the game of the Green Archers.
“We just played our game on defense. We put on the effort. But we still had 26 turnovers. We are still lacking as a team. We need to work harder especially late in the game,” said Ayo.
Abu Tratter and Jeron Teng had 12 points, while Jollo Go added 11 points for the Green Archers in their clash against the Fighting Maroons.
Ayo’s concern is now about the matchups he will have when the Green Archers come face-to-face now that UST’s veteran’s Karim Abdul, Ed Daquioag, and Kevin Ferrer are no longer around for the Growling Tigers.
He has noted the games of Marvin Lee, Louie Vigil and Kent Lao.
Then there’s 5’9” guard, Renzo Subido, who led the Growling Tigers to an 88-87 win over the University of the East.
He finished with a career-high 26 points including a 9-of-16 from the field which is something the Green Archers are concerned about.
Sablan said the team has gained confidence following its win over UE.
“They are motivated because everyone delivered. It was very important that we talked it out,” said Sablan.
Games Today
(at the Mall of Asia Arena)
2 p.m. FEU vs Ateneo
4 p.m. La Salle vs UST