UAAP: Macalalag credits trust of Cortez, Archers in career game

De La Salle University’s JC Macalalag against University of Santo Tomas in UAAP Season 89 men’s basketball. UAAP Media.MANILA — JC Macalalag had the hot hand in a career game as De La Salle University secured a crucial victory for its Final Four hopes, but the veteran wing credited his performance to the trust of his fellow Green Archers.

“Thankful ako sa tiwala ng teammates ko, especially si Jacob [Cortez], kasi he talked to me before the game, na yung kumpyansa niya andoon,” said Macalalag, who erupted for 28 points, making all six of his three-pointers in the second half of their 92-80 win over University of Santo Tomas in UAAP Season 89 on Sunday.

It was a much-needed win for La Salle, as it helped the defending champions rise to third place with five wins in nine games, breaking away from a five-way tie spanning Nos. 3 to 7 prior to the match.

The 6-foot-2, 23-year-old, however, said such opportunities are nothing new for the Green Archers, as La Salle’s system requires everyone to step up whenever a teammate goes down.

“Yung culture namin sa La Salle, next man up mentality,” said Macalalag, as Cortez remains day-to-day due to a swollen right knee. “So for us, it’s just about staying ready. ‘Di naman natin alam kung kailan dadating yung mga ganitong situation.”

Alongside Macalalag, Andrei Dungo stepped up with a career-best 24 points on 4-of-8 shooting from beyond the arc, while rookie Joaquin Tovera tallied 15 points, nine assists, and seven rebounds as he assumed playmaking duties for Cortez.

And as La Salle hopes to continue piling up wins, Macalalag is hopeful that this victory would be the start of every Archer finding their form in their own way.

“It was just a matter of time, kung kailan lalabas yung opportunity,” he said. “Kami naman ni Doy, lagi naman kaming nagpa-practice. The opportunity came today, so hopefully, tuloy-tuloy na kami.”