La Salle Green Archers forward Mason Amos carried his team into the win column of the 19th FilOil EcoOil Preseason Cup as he hit the game-winner against the UST Growling Tigers, 79-78, on Wednesday.
Entering the game at 0-1, the same record as UST, it was La Salle that prevailed in the end, leaning on Amos’ clutch triple to get the job done.
Amos Gives La Salle the Win
With the Green Archers staring at a 78-76 deficit in the final 18.1 seconds, Jacob Cortez kicked it to an open Amos in the corner. Amos rose up and let it fly, ultimately drilling the booming trey with 5.6 ticks to spare.
The Growling Tigers still had a chance to steal the win, but Collins Akowe was forced into a bad miss as the clock dwindled.
Cortez pumped in 13 points and set the table for La Salle with 6 assists, while Doy Dungo sparked the second unit with 10 points to secure the Taft side’s first win.
Akowe finished with 16 points and 13 rebounds, while Mark Llemit added 16 points in the loss that dropped UST to 0-2.
That dish from Cortez to set up Amos for the marginal three-ball was a well-thought-out play that ran on pure Animo.
“Jacob felt that Mason was the best option to take,” explained assistant coach Gian Nazario on the game-winner during the post-game interview.
With a 1-1 record, the Green Archers won’t play again in the tournament until June 12, when they face the FEU Tamaraws.
This gives the UAAP Season 88 champions plenty of rest as they also compete in the playoffs of the Asiabasket NSAC 2026.
Other Results
Lyceum Pirates 82, Arellano Chiefs 75 (Overtime)
Letran Knights 75, Benilde Blazers 71 (Overtime)
JRU Heavy Bombers 66, Perpetual Altas 54
