UAAP: ‘It’s an identity problem,’ says Cortez as La Salle’s struggles pile up

De La Salle University guard Jacob Cortez against University of the Philippines in UAAP Season 89. UAAP Media.MANILA — De La Salle University’s title defense is off to a shaky start, to say the least, and Jacob Cortez said this could be attributed to the Green Archers still trying to establish their character.

“It’s an identity problem,” said Cortez, as the defending champions fell to University of the Philippines, 80-76, in their UAAP Season 89 rivalry clash on Sunday for their third loss in six games.

La Salle trailed by as many as 16 points and spent most of the game playing catch-up, with Cortez attributing part of the Archers’ struggles to their difficulties against UP’s perimeter defense, led by Jacob Bayla.

“He’s just everywhere,” said Cortez, who was limited to four points through the first three quarters. “He’s not only guarding me. There was one play when he was on me, and [Luis] Pablo was supposed to have an open lay-up, but [Bayla] got all the way to get that block. That energy is something that you can’t teach, so credits to him.”

For Cortez, such instances highlight La Salle’s identity concerns, which have become more apparent following the departure of veterans such as Season 88 Finals MVP Mike Phillips, Kean Baclaan, and EJ Gollena.

“In a way, yes,” Cortez answered when asked if he felt greater pressure to lead the team during such stretches.

The 24-year-old guard, however, is taking it upon himself to help La Salle find its groove, believing that improving his own game can help the team get back on track.

“We still have veterans who stayed, and they have been playing well,” said Cortez, pointing to the likes of Pablo, Andrei Dungo, and Mason Amos, among others. “So I need to step up my game.”

Cortez also found a silver lining in La Salle’s defensive performance, particularly in the second half when the Archers limited UP to 38 points, noting that such efforts could serve as a starting point for better results.

“If we played like we played in the second half, if we did that in the first half, maybe it would be a different outcome, but we still have an opportunity,” he said.

Despite their struggles, the Archers lead the UAAP in limiting opponents to a 46.9% two-point field goal percentage. They also allow the fewest fastbreak points at 10.2 per game and the fewest turnover points at 11.5 per game, giving Cortez reason to remain optimistic.

“We just have to finish this round strong. I think we’re still one of the best defensive teams, so we just need to get together,” added Cortez, whose team also won only three of its first six games last season before finding its form en route to the Season 88 crown.