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| Jacob Cortez shone in his best game so far with La Salle. Joseph Sanvictores |
QUEZON CITY--Fourth-seeded La Salle successfully overcame top-seeded NU Bulldogs, overturning the twice-to-beat disadvantage through a 78-73 win on Saturday night in front of 12,425 fans at the Smart Araneta Coliseum to advance to the UAAP men's basketball finals.
The first quarter saw NU take a 20–14 lead behind contributions from Omar John, Kenshin Padrones, PJ Palacielo, and Mark Parks.
The Bulldogs maintained a six-point advantage with timely baskets and free throws.
In the second quarter, DLSU fought back, with Earl Abadam, Vhoris Marasigan, and Jacob Cortez hitting crucial shots to keep the game close, trailing 30-36 at halftime.
The third quarter became a back-and-forth battle before NU briefly regained the lead at 54–53, fueled by Jolo Manansala and Jake Figueroa.
In the fourth quarter, the lead changed hands repeatedly.
Palacielo, Figueroa, and Rein Jumamoy kept NU in front at times, while Cortez, Marasigan, and Mike Phillips kept DLSU within striking distance.
In the final minutes, DLSU’s composure under pressure allowed them to pull ahead and secure the win.
Cortez led DLSU with 29 points, followed by Abadam with 14 and Marasigan with 10.
For NU, Figueroa topped the scoring with 21 points, while Manansala and Palacielo added 13 points each.
Asked about their win, Coach Topex Robinson and Mike Phillips anchored their answer on their faith.
With the victory, the Green Archers advance to the finals to face the UP Fighting Maroons starting on Wednesday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay.
"We let our faith guide us in this series," Robinson said.
"We're just at service to God here, " Phillips added.
