Streaking La Salle lock horns with undermanned UE

By Josiah Albelda Posted Sep 4th 2013

Fresh off its thrilling win against a bitter rival, De La Salle University plunges back into action against undermanned University of the East in the 76th UAAP men's basketball tournament Wednesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The Green Archers defeated Ateneo de Manila University on Sunday after Jeron Teng sank a game-winner to push the Taft-based squad to its fourth straight win.

And their aim to win a fifth consecutive outing is made easier by the fact that the Red Warriors will be missing suspended regulars Charles Mammie and Ralf Olivares.

Mammie will be missing his second straight outing -- and third this season -- after committing his third unsportsmanlike foul while Olivares will serve the first of a two-game ban handed by the commissioner for his antics in their loss to National University.

Despite this, Teng and his La Salle squad are not expected to cruise against UE, who, just a few games ago, was the UAAP's hottest team.

"Syempre sa second round, every game is crucial," Teng said after they beat the Blue Eagles. "We have to give 100%."

Thomas Torres will return to the lineup after a one-game suspension but will have to fight with LA Revilla and rookie Kib Montalbo for the chance to guard superstar point guard Roi Sumang.

The game will air live on Studio 23, BALLS HD 167 and uaapsports.tv with a same day replay at 8 p.m. on BALLS SkyCable channel 34 or Destiny Cable channel 36.