The La Salle Green Archers and the Ateneo Blue Eagles added another chapter to their storied rivalry as La Salle tied their head-to-head record after 100 games with an 83-76 victory in the UAAP Season 89 Men’s Basketball Tournament at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
With 4:34 remaining in the game, Jared Bahay and Grayson Rogers helped Ateneo trim La Salle’s lead to two, 72-70. However, a string of fouls by the Blue Eagles allowed the Green Archers to pull away, 77-70.
La Salle Finishes Off Ateneo
Mason Amos and Jacob Cortez then put the game out of reach with back-to-back three-pointers as La Salle secured the victory.
“We really discussed this prior to this game how important it is for everyone and we just stuck to what we prepared for. We did something that we committed to, and we said whatever happens, as long as we stuck to what we prepared for, we’ll have no regrets,” said La Salle head coach Topex Robinson.
“It’s embracing the moment because ever since I was a kid, my dad used to play for La Salle and growing up, I used to watch games like this. I used to be that kid in the crowd wanting to play. Now I’m embracing the moment,” said Cortez of playing in the middle of the best rivalry in collegiate sports.
Joaquin Tovera Shows Out Again
Joaquin Tovera led the Green Archers with 15 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 assists, while Jcee Macalalag also scored 15 points. Cortez added 12 points, 5 assists, and 3 rebounds.
For the Blue Eagles, Shawn Tuano led the way with 17 points and 5 steals, while Bahay finished with 14 points, 3 rebounds, and 3 assists.
The Green Archers will take on the UP Fighting Maroons on Sunday, October 11, at 5:30 p.m. at the SM Mall of Asia Arena. Meanwhile, the Blue Eagles will face the FEU Tamaraws on Saturday, October 10, at 5:30 p.m. at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
