NI BRIAN YALUNG

MULING tinanghal na Most Valuable Player si La Salle Green Archer Ben Mbala. Sa kabila ng tagumpay, walang saysay ito para sa kanya kung hindi maidedepensa ng Archers ang titulo sa UAAP.

La Salle's Ben Mbala drives the ball against FEU's Prince Orizu during the UAAP match at MOA Arena in Pasay, November 12, 2016 (Rio Leonelle Deluvio)
La Salle's Ben Mbala drives the ball against FEU's Prince Orizu during the UAAP match at MOA Arena in Pasay, November 12, 2016 (Rio Leonelle Deluvio)

“It will be sweeter with a championship at the end of the season,” pahayag ni Mbala.

ALAMIN: Mga dapat malaman at gawin upang maging ligtas sa ‘tsunami’

Nagawang mapigilan ng Green Archers ang Ateneo Blue Eagles sa krusyal na sandali para makumpleto ang come-from behind win at okrayin ang tangkang sweep ng karibal sa double-round elimination.

Sa kabila ng kabiguan, nanatili ang posisyon ng Ateneo at La Salle tangan ang twice-to-bea advantage kontra FEU Tamaraws at Adamson Soaring Falcons, ayon sa pagkakasunod sa Final Four.

Ratsada si Mbala sa naturang laro nitong Linggo sa naiskor na 28 puntos, 19 rebounds, anim na steals at anim na blocks.

“It was very frustrating because we were exerting a lot of effort. Coach always tells us to play through the bad calls and stay composed. That’s exactly what we did despite things not going our way,” pahayag ni Mbala.

Kontra sa Adamson, liyamado ang La Salle, ngunit ayaw pakumpiyansa ni Mbala.

“We shouldn’t underestimate them. They are a very good team,” sambit ng Cameronian forward.

Tangap ni Mbala na kailangan nilang masaktan at lumaban sa mga hamon ng karibal para muling magtagumpay.

“I am definitely ready for it. That’s something I am expecting every single game,” aniya.