LIMITING Paul Desiderio’s productivity was big man Ben Mbala’s job when the defending champion La Salle Green Archers pulled off an 85-62 demolition of the University of the Philippines (UP) Fighting Maroons last Sunday at The Arena in San Juan.
Mbala said when they stuck to this part of the game plan, the Green Archers has little trouble posting their seventh win in nine games in the 80th University Athletic Association of the Philippines men’s basketball tournament.
“It was our priority to shut him (Desiderio) down. And I think, the best defender for that is Ben,” said Green Archers assistant coach Mark Valderama, who spoke on behalf of birthday celebrant and coach Aldin Ayo.
The victory more than made up for their first round loss to the Maroons.
When the Maroons beat La Salle, 98-87, in the first round, Desiderio led them with a career high 30 points.
In their second encounter, Desiderio was only able to make seven points.
On the other hand, Mbala, who averaged 30.4 points, 11.8 rebounds, one assist and 1.2 steals, still came up with a great output of 24 points and a better than average 14 rebounds and three assists.
Mbala, who emerged as this year’s top MVP candidate, chipped in seven points as La Salle took charge in the first period by 10, 24-14.
He poured in 13 points in the second canto as La Salle grabbed a 34-14 spread in the second quarter.
“We stuck to our game plan. And, yes we were eager to beat the team that beat us five times this year,” said Mbala referring to their pre-season games.
