Entering Sunday’s matchup missing their lead floor general, the La Salle Green Archers extinguished the UST Growling Tigers’ hot shooting night in the final quarter, seizing a 92-80 win at the Ateneo Blue Eagle Gym.
Despite sustaining a head injury in their overtime escape on October 21 against the UE Red Warriors, senior wing JC Macalalag delivered his career-best performance when it mattered most, notching 28 points, 3 rebounds, and 3 assists to usher the Green Archers to a 5-4 record.
Missing the services of Jacob Cortez—who hyperextended his knee during that same match against UE—Macalalag credited the star point guard’s continued trust as a motivating factor for his offensive output to keep the Taft-based squad in the Final Four picture.
“We’re happy with the win, and thankful ako na nag-stick kami ng mga teammates ko sa game plan… Thankful din ako sa tiwala ng coaches and my teammates, especially si Jacob. Before the game he talked to me, ‘yung kumpiyansa niya sakin nandoon. So coming from Jacob, it’s a big boost sa akin sa game na ‘to,” Macalalag said postgame.
Macalalag Keeps La Salle Afloat
Following a gut-wrenching loss to the Adamson Soaring Falcons to end the first round of the UAAP Season 89 Men’s Basketball Tournament, La Salle quickly turned the tide to claim two straight victories, with Macalalag crediting the team’s next-man-up mentality when facing adversity.
“Ito kasi ‘yung culture na bini-build namin sa La Salle simula nung nag-start sila Coach Topex [Robinson], parang next man up mentality, pag may player na na-injure… We just stayed ready, kasi di naman natin alam na dadating ‘yung ganitong situation.”
Amid the win, the 23-year-old says that the team still has much to improve on and remains poised to deliver on the offensive end again—if given the opportunity.
“Grateful and thankful kami na nakuha namin ‘yung panalo. Marami pang kailangan kaming pagtrabahuin after this,” Macalalag said. “It’s just a matter of time kung kailan lalabas… Sabi ko na nga lang, ‘yung opportunity, kung kailan [man] dadating, [I] just stayed ready… hopefully tuloy-tuloy na kami.”
The Green Archers will look to extend their winning streak to three when they face their formidable rivals, the Ateneo Blue Eagles, on Saturday, October 31, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
