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By Ivan Saldajeno
SAN JUAN, MM--La Salle clinched the first spot in the UAAP men's basketball playoffs with a 113-88 rout of NU at the FilOil Flying V Centre on Wednesday night.
Despite a slow start, the Green Archers gradually recovered, although the Bulldogs still put up a gallant stand late in the first three periods.
La Salle then put up a solid defense on NU in the final period, limiting the latter to only 13 points in the final 10 minutes while tallying 28 to pull away for good.
Ben Mbala had another day in the office for the now 10-0 Green Archers, scoring 29 points, 23 in the second half, 14 rebounds, and two blocks while limiting Alfred Aroga to only two points and two rebounds although he also made five assists and two blocks.
Aljun Melecio came off the bench to add 18 points, 13 in the first half, for La Salle, which is now also assured of at least a playoff for the twice-to-beat advantage in the Final Four.
Rev Diputado also waxed hot in the first 20 minutes, tallying 19 markers during the said period, but could only add four the rest of the way for the Bulldogs, who dropped their fourth straight game and slipped to 4-6.
Box Scores:
La Salle 113-Mbala 29, Melecio 18, Teng 13, Torres 12, Tratter 8, R. Rivero 6, Montalbo 5, Caracut 5, P. Rivero 4, Perkins 4, Baltazar 4, Sargent 2, Go 2, Dyke 1, Paraiso 0
NU 88-R. Diputado 23, Alejandro 17, Morido 13, Gallego 10, Pate 6, Salem 6, Salim 5, Mosqueda 4, C. Diputado 2, Aroga 2, Abatayo 0, Go 0, Rangel 0, Sinclair 0, Yu 0
Quarterscores: 24-23, 56-49, 85-75, 113-88
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