By Jun Ray Navarres
Raven Cortez’ breakout game moved De La Salle University past University of the East for solo third spot in the UAAP Season 86 men’s basketball tournament Saturday at UST Quadricentennial Pavilion.
Cortez recorded 18 points, five rebounds, and three blocks in just 13 minutes of playing time in La Salle’s 83-75 win over the Red Warriors.
“Coming into the game always ready lang ako. Coach will always gonna make the decision kung sino ang papasok,” shared Cortez.
“It just happened na ngayon natawag ang pangalan ko and I’ve played a great game. Every game talaga always focus lang ako and stay ready no matter how many minutes I’ve been given.”
The Green Archers were trailing by 37-48 after 20 minutes of playing time but their full court pressure erased the Red Warriors lead to end the third stanza, 62-63.
La Salle continued their rhythm to trounce the struggling UE. The latter had some chances to chip the lead but was plagued by turnovers in the crucial minutes.
“We didn’t really put any magic trick coming into the third quarter. We just wanted it more against UE. So, we were just rewarded with this victory,” said head coach Topex Robinson.
Meanwhile, Kevin Quiambao produced 17 points, 12 assists, and nine rebounds, flirting with a triple-double on the day of his grandfather’s memorial.
“He (Kevin) was even contemplating on missing this game. Prior to the game he said ‘coach ikaw na ang bahala sa akin’,” shared coach Topex.
“Raven and Kevin played really well together so that’s just a testament of how Kevin evolved into the player that he is right now. He really is a competitor in and out of the game.”
The performance and win came in as an early gift for Cortez who will be celebrating his birthday in two days.
La Salle now sits on a comfortable third spot with 4-3 and is waiting for the result of the game between tournament leaders University of the Philippines (6-0) and Ateneo de Manila University (3-3) tomorrow.
The Red Warriors absorbed their fourth consecutive defeat to go down at 2-5 for seventh place.
Noy Remogat had 13 points and 13 assists for UE while Abdul Sawat also came through with 13 points.
Featured photo courtesy of UAAP
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