UAAP: La Salle pushed to the limit, escapes gritty UE in OT

MANILA (UPDATED) — Defending champion De La Salle University had to dig deep to avoid a major upset from a University of the East side that has been pushing its opponents to the limit.

The Green Archers had to weather a Toper Lagat-led rally before escaping the Red Warriors in overtime, 97-88, in UAAP Season 89 on Wednesday at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

Mason Amos stepped up in the extension, highlighted by an and-one play with 1:32 remaining that stretched La Salle’s lead to 89-82, and finished with 17 points, nine rebounds, and two assists.

“Lagat hit some big shots, and you can’t take it away from them, so we just responded possession by possession,” said Amos, as La Salle survived despite committing 31 turnovers that UE converted into 26 points.

Henry Agunnane also came up vital in the fourth quarter as La Salle erased UE’s 66-61 lead, with the big man tallying 13 points, seven rebounds, and three blocks, while JC Macalalag and Andrei Dungo added 14 and 12 points, respectively.

“We know that everyone will play their best against us, so this is really something that we can learn from,” added Agunnane, who helped La Salle dominate the paint, 60-38, in the victory.

Joaquin Tovera later made his presence felt in overtime, finishing with 11 points, eight rebounds, four assists, and two steals as he took over the playmaking duties after Jacob Cortez exited at the 3:27 mark of the third quarter due to an apparent right knee injury.

The Red Warriors proved worthy opponents, with Lagat’s shot-making helping them erase a 13-point deficit and tie the game at 80-all with 3:21 left in overtime before La Salle regained control.

Lagat fired 20 points — all of which came in the second half — to go along with six steals and five rebounds, but his efforts were not enough as UE absorbed its 28th straight loss.

Lance Sabroso and Mo Tanedo scored 16 points apiece, while Cole Cruz-Dumont chipped in 13 points, four rebounds, and two steals for the Red Warriors, who remain winless through eight games this season.

La Salle 97 — Amos 17, Macalalag 14, Agunanne 13, Dungo 12, Tovera 11, Abadam 9, Pablo 6, J. Cortez 4, Gagate 4, Sardon 3, Marasigan 2, M. Cortez 2. Quines 0.

UE 88 — Lagat 20, Sabroso 18, Tañedo 16, Cruz-Dumont 13, Robles 9, Vazquez 4, Jimenez 4, Ajani 2, Javier 2, Dungca 0, Perez 0, Apostol 0.

Quarterscores: 27-16, 40-29, 57-50, 74-74, 97-88.