De La Salle University’s Jacob Cortez and University of the Philippines‘ Jacob Bayla in Game 2 of the UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball Finals. Photo from UAAP Media.MANILA — After his fiery takeover in the series opener, the spotlight on De La Salle University star Jacob Cortez was brighter than ever, and just as intense was the University of the Philippines’ defense on him.
The 5-foot-10 guard still delivered clutch baskets and finished with 16 points, four rebounds, and two steals, but he shot just 1-of-6 from beyond the arc and was denied by Jacob Bayla in the endgame.
For the former San Beda University standout, however, all of this was expected from the Fighting Maroons, who were playing for survival.
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“They wanted it more than us,” said Cortez after their 66-63 loss in Game 2 of the UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball Finals on Sunday. “UP also just beat us in 50-50 balls.”
Bayla’s defense proved crucial for State U, much like how he guarded two-time UAAP MVP and La Salle legend Kevin Quiambao in the Season 87 Finals.
This time, he limited Cortez’s touches, leaving La Salle to rely on Vhoris Marasigan to take the potential go-ahead three-pointer down the stretch.
Cortez, however, was unfazed by the defensive schemes Bayla and UP employed and instead embraced them as a challenge heading into Game 3.
“No, [Bayla] did not really affect me mentally,” he said. “I know he was just doing his job, and I actually love that competitiveness.”
“We’re just going to make adjustments offensively. But overall, we still had some good shots; they just weren’t falling for us,” he added.
The son of La Salle royalty Mike Cortez also treated the loss as a vital piece of their championship puzzle, with the focus now on applying those lessons as they seek redemption.
“Their experience showed earlier,” he reflected. “And like I said, it’s just a blessing to go against them. So it’s exciting, Game 3, but we have to stay focused on our side.”
Game 3 of La Salle-UP III is on Wednesday, December 10, at 3:30 p.m. at the Araneta Coliseum in Cubao.