MANILA – De La Salle University booked the last Final Four ticket in the UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball tournament after Jacob Cortez delivered a blistering fourth-quarter takeover to lift the Green Archers past archrival Ateneo de Manila University, 78–72, on Wednesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Cortez erupted for 12 of his 20 points in the final period — including a cold-blooded jumper over Waki Espina with 12.4 seconds left that sealed a 76–72 cushion and the win La Salle desperately needed to advance.
The clutch performance capped a gritty comeback for the Green Archers, who clawed back from an 11-point deficit late in the third quarter, 47–58. Earl Abadam, Luis Pablo, and Vhoris Marasigan steadied the team with a crucial run that trimmed the gap to 56–60 entering the payoff quarter.
“These are the times that I was dreaming of when I was young, watching Ateneo–La Salle games, and I always tell these guys that you’re part of this moment right now, so make sure that you’re gonna make lasting memories,” head coach Topex Robinson said.
“During the first half, we were struggling because we were so over our emotions and we forgot to trust each other. Just give credit to these guys. They (Cortez and Phillips) really took care of us,” he added.
La Salle wrapped up the eliminations at 8–6, tying University of Santo Tomas but settling for the fourth seed due to quotient. The Archers now face top-ranked National University — armed with a twice-to-beat advantage — in the semifinals.
UST, meanwhile, meets the second-seeded University of the Philippines.
Rebounding workhorse Mike Phillips powered La Salle with 13 points, 16 rebounds, four assists, and two blocks. Marasigan added 12, while Pablo and JC Macalalag chipped in nine and eight markers, respectively.
Ateneo, already out of contention, leaned on Dom Escobar in his farewell game, finishing with 18 points and four rebounds. Kymani Ladi posted 13 points and seven boards, Divine Adili logged a double-double of 11 and 11, while Jared Bahay and Espina contributed 11 and 10.
Far Eastern University, which beat UST earlier in the day, was officially eliminated following La Salle’s victory — missing the Final Four for the fourth straight year./PN
BOX SCORE
DLSU 78 – Cortez 20, Phillips 13, Marasigan 12, Pablo 9, Macalalag 8, Abadam 7, Melencio 5, Dungo 4, Quines 0, Amos 0.
Ateneo 72 – Escobar 18, Ladi 13, Adili 11, Bahay 11, Espina 10, Espinosa 4, Lazaro 3, Tuano 2, Lazo 0, Fjellvang 0, Bongo 0.
Quarters: 20–18, 37–38, 56–60, 78–72.
