De La Salle University’s Jacob Cortez against Adamson University in UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball. Photo from UAAP Media.
MANILA (UPDATED) — De La Salle University's newest stars took charge as the Green Archers scored a winning debut in UAAP Season 88 men's basketball.
Jacob Cortez made the right plays as the Green Archers survived Adamson University, 60-58, in their Saturday evening faceoff at the University of Santo Tomas Quadricentennial Pavilion in España.
The former San Beda University star impressed in his UAAP debut, scattering 16 points, four rebounds, four assists, and two steals, also converting the go-ahead basket in crunch time.
"It feels good to play in QPAV. I used to practice here. I remember the practices," said Cortez, a former UST commit. "And even after arriving here, I saw some students doing PE, and I visualized myself in that situation."
"It feels good to be here, but it feels better to play for La Salle, and it feels great that we came out with the win today," added the son of former Green Archers star Mike Cortez.
Just as impressive was La Salle team captain Mike Phillips (17 points, 16 rebounds, four blocks, three steals, one assist), while Mason Amos hit the dagger to complete his six points, and rookie Lebron Daep finished with eight markers and three boards.
Trailing by three with over two minutes left in the game, Phillips made a crucial jumper from the middle to bring the Green Archers to within a point, 56-55.
Cortez then flaunted his form for La Salle a few possessions after an Emman Anabo miss, with the one-time NCAA champion sinking a basket to overtake the Soaring Falcons, 57-56, at the 1:40 mark.
Amos then broke out of his slump by draining a three-pointer off an assist by Cortez with only eight seconds left to complete the victory and avoid disaster for the Green Archers.
On the other hand, Ced Manzano led AdU with a 19-point, nine-rebound game, while Matty Erolon followed with 10 markers, six boards, and four dimes.
The Scores:
La Salle 60 -- Phillips 17, Cortez 16, Daep 8, Amos 6, Marasigan 3, Gollena 3, Abadam 2, Dungo 2, Nwankwo 2, Baclaan 1, Macalalag 0, Pablo 0, Gomez 0.
Adamson 58 -- Manzano 19, Erolon 10, Torres 8, Fransman 5, Medina 5, Ojarikre 4, Perez 4, Tumaneng 2, Anabo 1, Montebon 0, Demisana 0, Barcelona 0, C. Ronzone 0, A. Ronzone 0.
Quarterscores: 15-18, 33-25, 49-46, 60-58.