De La Salle University’s Jacob Cortez in action against University of the East’s Wello Lingolingo in UAAP Season 88. Photo from UAAP Media.
MANILA (UPDATED) — De La Salle University completed a 21-point comeback against University of the East in UAAP Season 88 via a 111-110 overtime win on Wednesday, but the Green Archers had another player prematurely exit due to an injury.
Kean Baclaan needed to be stretchered off the court after his knee was hit by Wello Lingolingo with only 4:21 left in regulation -- three days after big man Mason Amos suffered an MCL tear last Sunday in La Salle's 82-78 loss to National University.
Jacob Cortez led the Taft-based cagers with 26 points, 17 of which came in the fourth and in overtime, while Mike Phillips posted an 18-point, 11-rebound outing before suffering cramps.
"I was told to take over," said Cortez, who drained the go-ahead free throws and a lead-extending jumper for a 110-107 cushion late in OT to steer La Salle to victory.
"And we just remained trusting each other no matter what happened," added the former San Beda University star, who saw Baclaan finish with 17 points and four assists before exiting the game.
On the other hand, the Red Warriors suffered their sixth straight loss this year, and this was despite Precious Momowei's huge scoring night.
The UE star fired 42 points to become the first UAAP player since former Red Warriors ace Alvin Pasaol to reach the 40-point barrier, and this was on top of Momowei's 13 rebounds and three assists.
Incidentally, Pasaol's 49 points also came against La Salle in losing fashion.
That was in Season 80 when the Ben Mbala-led Green Archers dumped the Red Warriors, 106-100.
Mbala had himself a night as well in that game, as the Cameroonian listed 39 points.
THE SCORES:
La Salle 111 -– Cortez 26, Abadam 18, Phillips 18, Baclaan 17, Pablo 8, Marasigan 8, Gollena 4, Macalalag 4, Nwankwo 4, Daep 3, Dungo 1, Melencio 0.
UE 110 -– Momowei 42, Abate 25, Lingolingo 24, Caoile 6. Mulingtapang 4, Tañedo 4, Datumalim 3, Robles 2, Malaga 0, Lagat 0, Cabero 0.
Quarterscores: 23-33, 48-60, 74-72, 98-98, 111-110.