UAAP: La Salle’s Jacob Cortez savors big moment in rivalry game vs. Ateneo
MANILA — Jacob Cortez will always be ready to answer the call for the De La Salle University Green Archers, especially during a classic rivalry clash against the Ateneo Blue Eagles.
Cortez scored 12 points, five assists, three rebounds, and a steal in their 83-76 win over Ateneo, highlighted by a clutch three-pointer with only 2:16 left in the game.
Known for his willingness to take over in crunch time, Cortez has learned to embrace his role during rivalry matches and rise to the occasion whenever his team needs him most.
“It’s embracing the moment because I’ve been wanting this since I was a kid. My dad used to play for La Salle, and then growing up, I used to watch games like this. I used to be that kid in the crowd, you know, wanting to play,” Cortez said during the post-game press conference on Wednesday at the Mall of Asia Arena.
“So now I’m embracing the moment. And I tell myself not to overthink because if I overthink, that’s when stuff goes wrong for our team. And yeah, it’s just embracing the moment, embracing the rivalry,” he added.
The 24-year-old was even seen getting emotional after draining the crucial shot to put DLSU ahead by 11 points in the final stretch.
“I heard a lot of stuff from the Ateneo crowd. And that just fueled me a lot more. And I actually wasn’t hyping the crowd. I was hyping myself because it’s been a while since I’ve seen the ball go in. So I guess my teammates were also hyped up,” Cortez explained.
DLSU head coach Topex Robinson lauded Cortez for his contribution to the team especially in the big moments.
“What he brings to the table is really more than the digits that he produces. And, you know, he’s in his fifth year, always been a reliable defender, always a reliable guy who always sacrifices his own scoring just for the good of the team. And it’s always nice to have somebody like him on the team,” he said.
Cortez said he’s eager to continue stepping up in the big moments, given it’s his last year with the Green and White.
“It’s going to be my last year. So especially now, that’s when I’m starting to enjoy a lot more,” he said.
While they will celebrate getting the win over Ateneo in their 100th clash, Cortez said they’re not losing sight of their next battle against modern rivals UP Fighting Maroons on Sunday.
“Super crucial lahat ng games. We were very fortunate to win against a hot Ateneo team. We were able to tie the standings. We’re now looking forward to UP on Sunday,” he said.