By Jun Ray Navarres
De La Salle University clinched the final spot in the UAAP Season 88 Final Four after surviving a ferocious endgame challenge from their archrivals, Ateneo de Manila University, with a 78-72 victory at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Wednesday.
This high-stakes win effectively slammed the door on the playoff aspirations of both the Blue Eagles and Far Eastern University, who were hoping for a La Salle stumble to force a playoff for the number four seed.
“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,” said Green Archers head coach Topex Robinson.
Jacob Cortez delivered a masterclass performance, finishing with a game-high 20 points on an efficient 9-of-12 shooting clip to steer La Salle past the desperate Blue Eagles.
Cortez took command of the offense in the fourth quarter, scoring 12 of his total output in the final frame to single-handedly fend off Ateneo’s repeated rallies.
After Waki Espina knotted the game at 72-all, Mike Phillips broke the tie with a tip-in off a miss with 46.4 seconds left on the clock, giving the Archers a precarious 74-72 lead.
Following a costly turnover by Ateneo rookie sensation Jared Bahay on the ensuing possession, the Green Archers relied on Cortez to create separation.
The dynamic guard did not disappoint as he isolated his defender and drained a step-back midrange jumper with just 12.4 ticks remaining, extending the lead to a two-possession game at 76-72.
“For that shot, I don’t know. I’ve been doing that since I was a kid, counting down by yourself, and there’s no better way to do it than in an Ateneo-La Salle crucial game,” said Cortez after the game.
Hopes for an Ateneo miracle were extinguished moments later when Phillips intercepted the inbound pass from Jaden Lazo and drew a foul with 10.9 seconds left to play.
Motor Mike calmly sank both free throws to finalize the count at 78-72, capping a monster performance where he tallied 13 points and 16 rebounds to anchor the La Salle defense.
Despite the loss, newcomer Dom Escobar led the fight for the Blue Eagles with 18 points, while Bahay contributed 11 points in a losing effort that saw Ateneo miss the Final Four for the second consecutive season.
DLSU will now advance to face the top-seeded National University who flaunts a twice-to-beat advantage.
Featured image courtesy of UAAP Media Bureau
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