At A Glance
- De La Salle University takes its first shot at securing the title when it clashes with University of the Philippines in Game 2 of the UAAP Season 88 men's basketball finals at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City on Sunday, Dec. 14.
De La Salle University takes its first shot at securing the title when it clashes with University of the Philippines in Game 2 of the UAAP Season 88 men's basketball finals at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City on Sunday, Dec. 14.
Two schools with different missions, but both driven by the same championship desire, as the Green Archers try to close it out in the 4 p.m. encounter against a Fighting Maroons side looking to extend the series to a sudden death.
Before the titanic collision, National University and University of Santo Tomas battle it out in a do-or-die duel for the women's crown at 1 p.m.
Despite prevailing in their past three encounters, including the 74-70 Game 1 win, over UP, La Salle head coach Topex Robinson remained wary of what the Maroons are capable of.
And having respect for their modern rivals plays a key role for the Green Archers to maintain their focus and not to get too carried away by their emotions.
“We know that winning Game 1 doesn’t make us a champion yet, but it gives us extra motivation to really go at it. We have some much respect for the team [UP],” said Robinson.“We reminded ourselves that playing 100% doesn’t guarantee a win against UP… if we could add more, that will be better.”
“But we know that’s really a championship caliber team. Kaya kahit paubos na ‘yong oras we know they are going to pull off something, so that keeps us grounded and vigilant… we know their capabilities,” he added.
Jacob Cortez, playing in his first UAAP Finals with La Salle, shrugged off the pressure and stole the spotlight against Harold Alarcon, who recorded a career-high 34 points carfor UP.
After Luis Pablo’s brilliance on both ends, the shifty 5-foot-11 guard took over anew down the stretch where he hit a step-back triple over the Maroons’ Reyland Torres to give the Archers enough cushion to seal the opener. He finished with 21 points.
Aside from Cortez and Pablo, La Salle has Mike Phillips, Luis Pablo, Vhoris Marasigan, Kean Baclaan, JC Macalalag, and Doy Dungo on the offense.
The Maroons, led by Alarcon and Francis Nnoruka, look to regain their winning form with a bounce back victory with the help of Noy Remogat, Gani Stevens, Gerry Abadiano, and Terrence Fortea.