MANILA — Rookie Joaquin Tovera announced his arrival in collegiate basketball with a game-high 22 points as defending champion De La Salle University survived National University’s furious late rally, 89-87, to open its UAAP Season 89 men’s basketball title defense on Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The former Gilas Pilipinas Youth standout immediately made his presence felt for the Green Archers, adding three steals, one rebound and one assist while helping La Salle withstand a Bulldogs comeback that nearly erased a 14-point deficit.
Manuel Luis Pablo provided another strong performance for DLSU with 16 points on an efficient 8-of-11 shooting from the field and seven rebounds, while Andrei Dungo chipped in 12 points and buried a crucial three-pointer down the stretch.
The Green Archers appeared headed for a comfortable victory after Pablo scored on consecutive possessions to stretch their advantage to 78-64.
NU, however, refused to fold and mounted a furious rally that pulled the Bulldogs to within a point, 84-85, late in the game.
Dungo stopped the bleeding for La Salle by drilling a clutch three-pointer to restore an 88-84 cushion.
Reinhard Jumamoy answered with a basket as the Bulldogs threatened again at 87-88, but Mason Amos split his free throws to give the Green Archers the final two-point margin.
NU failed to complete the comeback, allowing the defending champions to escape with a hard-earned opening victory.
Kenshin Padrones and Teboi Garcia led the Bulldogs with 14 points apiece, while Mo Diassana finished with 12 points and PJ Palacielo contributed 10.
Meanwhile, Adamson University erased a 13-point deficit to stun Far Eastern University, 56-53, in another opening-day encounter.
The Falcons were staring at a 33-46 deficit late in the third quarter before unleashing a decisive 19-7 rally behind Matt Edding, Matt Erolon, Monty Montebon and Precious Jonah.
Erolon scored six of his eight points in the final period to help Adamson complete the comeback and start its campaign on a winning note.
Montebon paced the Falcons with 18 points, while Edding contributed 11. Jonah added eight points and hauled down 11 rebounds.
Janrey Pasaol and rookie Cabs Cabonillas finished with 11 points each for the Tamaraws, who squandered their double-digit advantage in the closing stages./PN
