Green Archers Improve to 6-4 After Surviving Ateneo Challenge
De La Salle University survived Ateneo, 76-73, in overtime for its third consecutive UAAP Season 89 men’s basketball victory. The Green Archers improved to 6-4 and seized solo third after another tense chapter in Philippine collegiate basketball’s storied rivalry.
La Salle Outlasts Ateneo in Overtime Rivalry Game
Justin Valencia of Tiebreaker Times chronicled Saturday’s rivalry showdown between La Salle and Ateneo at the SMART Araneta Coliseum. The victory gave the Green Archers a 51-50 advantage across 101 recorded meetings between the longtime collegiate basketball rivals.
Saturday’s contest became only the fourth overtime game between both schools throughout their extensive head-to-head basketball history. It also marked their first overtime meeting since UAAP Season 72 in 2009, adding another notable chapter to the rivalry.
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Robinson Credits Preparation After Regulation Tie
Head coach Topex Robinson reminded his players about their preparation and ambitions after regulation ended with both teams tied, 66-66. Robinson credited La Salle’s belief in its preparation after the Green Archers eventually secured the three-point overtime victory.
“When the game went to overtime, we just reminded everybody about what we discussed before the game, and we talked about our dreams,” said Robinson.
“In every moment, the strongest dream will win that moment, so we all dream about playing in the De La Salle-Ateneo rivalry. These guys just showed up and they believed in what we prepared for.”
Agunanne Forces Overtime Before Amos Delivers
Henry Agunanne forced overtime with a game-tying dunk at 12.1 seconds, bringing La Salle level with Ateneo at 66-66. The center finished with eight points and eight rebounds while producing La Salle’s most important basket during regulation’s closing moments.
Mason Amos later connected from three during overtime, extending La Salle’s advantage to 75-69 with only 1:35 remaining. Amos finished with eight points, but his late three-pointer established the Green Archers’ largest advantage during the additional five minutes.
Ateneo Cuts Six-Point Deficit During Extra Period
Kieffer Alas answered Amos’ three-pointer with consecutive layups, reducing Ateneo’s six-point deficit to 75-73 during the closing minute. His second layup followed Joaquin Tovera’s ankle injury, bringing the Blue Eagles within two points with 28.4 seconds remaining.
Late Misses Give Ateneo Multiple Final Chances
Agunanne split two free throws with 17.6 seconds remaining, extending La Salle’s advantage to 76-73 during the closing sequence. Travis Roberts missed a turnaround jumper, but Vhoris Marasigan then missed both free throws, providing Ateneo another possession.
Ateneo failed to complete its inbound play with 3.3 seconds remaining when Alas’ intended pass struck Jared Bahay’s knee. Doy Dungo subsequently missed two free throws before Ian Espinosa’s desperation heave fell short, finally securing La Salle’s victory.
Tovera Exits After Leading La Salle With 21 Points
Tovera produced 21 points, seven rebounds, and six assists before suffering a right ankle injury during the overtime period. His departure came after a non-contact drive, temporarily leaving La Salle defending five-on-four before officials eventually stopped play.
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La Salle Takes Solo Third With Third Straight Win
La Salle improved to 6-4 and secured solo third place after recording its third consecutive victory during the second round. Jcee Macalalag contributed 11 points, while Dungo, Amos, and Agunanne each finished with eight during the overtime victory.
Jacob Cortez missed his second consecutive game, leaving La Salle without one of its primary guards against longtime rival Ateneo. The Green Archers still received enough scoring support behind Tovera to complete their third consecutive victory without Cortez available.
Bahay and Alas Score 18 Points Apiece for Ateneo
Jared Bahay finished with 18 points, nine rebounds, four assists, and three steals during Ateneo’s narrow overtime defeat. Alas also scored 18 points but converted only one of 12 three-point attempts across his 22 total field-goal attempts.
NU and UP Await Rivals After Overtime Classic
La Salle next faces National University on November 8 at the SMART Araneta Coliseum after defeating NU during opening day. The Green Archers enter that matchup at 6-4 following three consecutive victories that moved them into solo third place.
Ateneo dropped to 5-5 and fifth place after its two-game winning streak ended with Saturday’s three-point overtime defeat. The Blue Eagles return against University of the Philippines on November 7 at the same Quezon City venue.
La Salle-Ateneo Rivalry Reaches 101 Meetings
La Salle’s latest victory moved the Green Archers ahead, 51-50, through 101 recorded basketball meetings against longtime rival Ateneo. Only four games between the schools have required overtime, with Saturday’s contest becoming their first such meeting since 2009.
Analytical Breakdown: La Salle’s Resilience Overcomes Closing Struggles
La Salle’s composure proved decisive, surviving missed closing opportunities without allowing Ateneo to completely seize control during overtime. Agunanne’s tying dunk provided a high-percentage answer when late-game pressure made perimeter creation increasingly difficult and possessions more valuable. La Salle’s Final Four push now depends on healthier guards and sharper closing execution against opponents capable of punishing mistakes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won the La Salle-Ateneo UAAP Season 89 game?
La Salle defeated Ateneo, 76-73, in overtime at the SMART Araneta Coliseum for its third consecutive victory.
What is La Salle’s record after beating Ateneo?
The Green Archers improved to 6-4 and moved into solo third place within the UAAP Season 89 standings.
Who led La Salle against Ateneo?
Joaquin Tovera led La Salle with 21 points, seven rebounds, and six assists before suffering a right ankle injury.
How many La Salle-Ateneo games have reached overtime?
Only four of their first 101 basketball meetings have required overtime, with Saturday’s contest becoming the first since 2009.
Who does La Salle play next?
La Salle faces National University on November 8 at the SMART Araneta Coliseum following three consecutive victories.
Disclaimer: Headline Image from themanilatimes on Instagram.
