UAAP: Agunanne, Amos see OT win vs. UE as learning experience for La Salle

MANILA — The De La Salle Green Archers believe they can take valuable lessons from its hard-fought overtime win over University of the East, as the UAAP Season 89 men’s basketball tournament progresses.  

The Green Archers led by as much as 13 points in the first quarter and stayed in front until the third quarter, before the Red Warriors rallied back in the final frame. 

La Salle committed 31 turnovers in the game, especially in the last two possessions in regular time, which UE converted into points that forced overtime. 

For big man Henry Agunanne, the close game against UE was a reminder for them to remain composed especially in high-pressure situations.  

La Salle’s Henry Agunanne in action against UE in the UAAP Season 89 men’s basketball tournament, October 21, 2026 at the Mall of Asia Arena. UAAP Media“I think, you know, we know that every team is going to play their best against us. So I think this victory is something we have to learn from, you know, how to really just go out there and play for each other and to just stay locked in, especially in close games like this,” Agunanne said in the post-game press conference.  

“We went over time, and I think this is really something that’s going to help us grow because we’re going to go back and look at the things that we did wrong or the things that we did right in this game,” he added. 

As for Mason Amos, he hopes every member of the Green Archers steps up when needed, especially as each game becomes crucial in the second round. 

“Just guys stepping up, whether it’s us vets or even the rookies, we just have to stick together. And I think moving forward, just taking care of the basketball, like what Coach Ollie said 31 turnovers for any team is unacceptable. Yeah, we just got a lot to improve moving forward,” he said. 

“How we responded was you know, possession by possession. We know that it’s not going to happen all at once. We got to take it possession by possession, and that’s what we did,” Amos emphasized. 

DLSU assistant coach Oliver Bunyi said they are grateful to come away with the victory despite needing extra time and turning over the ball more than UE. 

“Well, that’s the number one thing that we said is to stay focused. We are really struggling, and we don’t want to lose our, especially our patience. We want to stay focused and just don’t give up. That’s what the coaches told the players,” he said. 

The Green Archers look to continue their winning ways against the UST Growling Tigers on Sunday at the Blue Eagle Gym.