Jacob Cortez is at his best when the game is on the line.
Cortez, a second-generation star, knocked down a cold-blooded three-pointer in the final 27.4 seconds to power De La Salle University to a 74-70 win over University of the Philippines in Game 1 of Season 88 University Athletic Association of the Philippines men’s basketball tournament best-of-three finals series last night at the Mall of Asia Arena.
With the Green Archers holding a slim 71-70 lead, the son of La Salle legend Mike Cortez took matters into his own hands, launching a step-back three-pointer over the outstretched arms of Reyland Torres to seal the win that put them one win away from reclaiming the title.
Cortez expressed the trust and confidence that La Salle coach Topex Robinson empowered him to take the shot when the game was on the line.
“There is also the thought of making the shot and I am comfortable with those and the trust that Coach (Topex Robinson) gives me. I still have the responsibility but I work on those shots every day and it’s fun working out,” said Cortez, whose heroics allowed La Salle to win all of their three matches with UP so far this season.
“I guess that’s how you can describe how we play. When we overthink a lot, we get tight so we just want to have fun playing basketball.”
Robinson, who is in his third UAAP finals with La Salle, lauded his players for hanging tough despite Harold Alarcon recording a career-high 34 points for the Fighting Maroons – the biggest scoring outburst since Thirdy Ravena of Ateneo de Manila University dropped 38 points in their title-clinching win over UP on 5 December 2018.
“Well, it was really a fierce battle between two competitors and knowing that this is going to be something that will be such an emotionally packed ballgame, we’re just glad and fortunate that we were able to sustain the onslaught of Harold Alarcon,” Robinson said.
“He (Alarcon) really took over, really being clutch for that team. I guess we just didn’t stop when they were making those big runs.”
Tied at 68 with 4:06 remaining, Luis Pablo sank a jumper to give La Salle a two-point lead. But Alarcon responded with a breakaway layup with 46.5 seconds left to cut La Salle’s lead to one, 70-71, putting the more than 18,000 spectators at the edge of their seats.
Then came Cortez, delivering a game’s biggest basket that reminded seasoned collegiate fans of the memorable shots his father used to make during his time at La Salle.
Cortez finished the night with 21 points on 10-of-15 shooting while Doy Dungo stepped up, chipping in 15 markers for La Salle, which blew hot and cold in the eliminations before advancing to the finals against the same team that shattered its heart last season.
“I just like to give credit to Kean and kay Doy. Doy stayed ready… Kean did a good job playing off the bench for me. I’m just so proud of them,” Cortez added.
Francis Nnoruka was the only other Fighting Maroon to reach double digits with 13 points and six rebounds while Gerry Abadiano had eight points.