Justin Baltazar was a thorn for the Bulldogs the entire game as he posted 25 points and 25 rebounds. #UAAP82 #LaSallewallopsNU

Justin Baltazar’s 25-25 game powers La Salle to convincing win. (Joaqui Flores)

De La Salle University banked on the solid game of Justin Baltazar and walloped the struggling National University (NU) squad, 85-61, to start its second round campaign of Season 82 University Athletics Association of the Philippines (UAAP) men’s basketball tournament on a high note Sunday at the Mall of Asia Arena.

The six-foot-seven forward was a thorn for the Bulldogs the entire game as he posted 25 points, 25 rebounds, two assists and two blocks to lead the Green Archers, who improved their win-loss record to 4-4.

“I just improved my game today because the last time we played against the UST (University of Santo Tomas), I was not in my best form,�? said Baltazar, who had career-highs both in points and rebounds.

Team captain Andrei Caracut chipped in 16 markers, six rebounds and five assists while one-and-done recruit Jamie Malonzo poured in 12 points and five boards.

“Every game is a playoff game especially now that we’re approaching the second round,�? La Salle active consultant Jermaine Byrd said.

“We just wanted a different approach come the second round. Our boys today are on a playoff-mindset. Our mindset has to change if we really want to get where we want to be,�? Green Archers head coach Gian Nazario added.

Unlike in its 83-82 escape in the first round behind the game-winning jumper of Kurt Lojera, La Salle encountered little trouble in dispatching the Bulldogs.

The Taft-based squad, behind Baltazar and Caracut, opened a 44-24 halftime lead and entered the final canto with a 65-48 advantage.

Lojera anchored a 9-2 blitz to stretch their lead to 74-50 with 5:36 remaining and NU never had an answer in that surge by the Green Archers.

Dave and Shaun Ildefonso finished with 11 and 10 points, respectively, to lead the Bulldogs, who dropped to 1-7 in the team standings.