UAAP: La Salle’s Tovera, UE’s Oñate earn Player of the Week nods

MANILA — La Salle’s Joaquin Tovera continues to prove that he is no ordinary rookie, leading the Green Archers to a crucial victory over their archrivals in the UAAP Season 89 men’s basketball tournament.

With La Salle missing veteran guard Jacob Cortez, Tovera took charge in their 76-73 overtime win against Ateneo de Manila University on Saturday. The freshman fired 21 points on top of seven rebounds, six assists, and a steal as La Salle racked up a third win in a row.

The defending champions are now at 6-4, good for solo third.

For his exploits, Tovera was named the Collegiate Press Corps UAAP Player of the Week for the period of October 28 to October 31.

“Not having Jacob is a big thing, but you know, I just want to do what’s best for the team,” Tovera, who scored 11 in the first half, told reporters after the win.

“I’m not really trying to be the best player. I’m just trying to be the best player for the team to win the game. Just doing what’s best for the team.”

The rookie guard edged Ateneo’s Jared Bahay, Far Eastern University’s Kirby Mongcopa and National University’s Mo Diassana in the voting among print and online reporters covering the UAAP beat.

Meanwhile, in the women’s division, University of the East guard Sy Oñate earned the honor after leading the Lady Warriors to a breakthrough victory.

UE squeaked past La Salle, 68-65, on Wednesday to snap a 31-game losing streak that has spanned more than two years.

Oñate erupted for 25 points, two assists, a rebound and a steal in UE’s victory, which was their first triumph since September 22, 2024, that coincidentally also came against La Salle.

“Sobrang grateful lang po ako sa mga teammates ko na pinagkatiwalaan ako sa loob ng court and pinaghirapan po namin ito. Mula first round, as in nag-sacrifice po kami na maipanalo po ang mga game, makabalik sa second round,” Oñate said.

“Importante po talaga sa amin yung teamwork and tiwala sa isa’t isa na makuha namin yung panalo.”

UE improved to 1-7 under coach Ian Valdez.

Oñate got the women’s weekly award over UST’s Oma Onianwa and Brigette Santos, FEU’s Amayah Espanol and NU’s Ann Pingol