Whether it’s the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) or the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP), success follows Jacob Cortez.

The newly-minted UAAP champion told DAILY TRIBUNE said it was deja vu for him as he won both titles, overcoming a twice-to-beat disadvantage going into the finals.

Cortez, the son of De La Salle University legend Mike Cortez, scored nine points in their 80-72 Game 3 victory in the UAAP Season 88 finals at the Smart Araneta Coliseum last Wednesday.

“Yeah, that adds more (motivation) because it’s a disadvantage and some people will count you out. But again, that adds fuel to me to make them wrong,” said Cortez, who won the NCAA Season 99 title with San Beda University over Mapua University in 2023.

“I did it against Mapua, and now with UP so it feels great.”

Making the victory sweeter for Cortez was he won the UAAP title on the same date and venue as he did in the NCAA back in 2023.

“I went through my phone earlier this morning, and the apps showed memories. Exactly two years ago, I won with San Beda,” Cortez said.

“I spoke with Yukien Andrada when we lost Game Two. He said ‘You got this’ and encouraged me.”