UAAP: La Salle rookie Joaquin Tovera proves he has ‘that dog’ in him

De La Salle University rookie Joaquin Tovera against Ateneo de Manila University in UAAP Season 89 men’s basketball. UAAP Media.MANILA — Rookie guard Joaquin Tovera played beyond his years anew as he steered De La Salle University to another crucial victory in UAAP Season 89 men’s basketball.

The 5-foot-10, 18-year-old playmaker flaunted his prowess with 21 points, seven rebounds, six assists, and a steal as the Jacob Cortez-less Green Archers outlasted rival Ateneo de Manila University, 76-73, in overtime on Saturday.

Tovera, however, downplayed his performance, saying that his sole focus was helping La Salle further rise the ranks as the Final Four race heats up.

“Not having Jacob is a big thing, but I just want to do what’s best for the team,” said the soft-spoken guard, who even set up Henry Agunanne’s game-tying slam that sent the match to overtime en route to helping La Salle claim solo third in the standings.

“I’m not trying to be the best player. I was just trying to get my team going.”

But the numbers say otherwise, with Tovera now leading La Salle in scoring with 11.2 points per game alongside 3.5 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and 1.4 steals in 10 outings so far.

What the Chino Hills High School product credited this to was his relentless mentality, saying that he has been pushing himself to deliver, especially under pressure.

“I had the motivation to have that dog, you know? I was just hustling, doing the right plays,” said Tovera. “I just need to do what’s best for my team.”

Tovera’s tough-as-nails approach even extends beyond the court, with the rookie shrugging off concerns surrounding the right ankle sprain that prematurely ended his night with more than 30 seconds remaining in the match.

De La Salle University rookie Joaquin Tovera against Ateneo de Manila University in UAAP Season 89 men’s basketball. UAAP Media.“My injury is not that bad,” he said. “I’ll be good for the next game. It’s just swollen.”

And with the Green Archers not returning to action until November 8 against National University, Tovera is confident that things will only get better, not only for himself but for the entire squad, especially with Cortez expected to return.

“We’re gonna have Jacob next game, so it’s gonna be easier,” he said.