Tovera Sparks Victory as Rivalry Reaches 50-50 Mark
De La Salle defeated Ateneo, 83-76, in their 100th UAAP men’s basketball meeting Wednesday at Mall of Asia Arena. The result leveled their head-to-head record at 50-50, with rookie Joaquin Tovera leading the Green Archers’ scoring.
La Salle Levels Ateneo Rivalry at 50-50
Justin Valencia of Tiebreaker Times documented the historic result, which gave La Salle its fifth win in six rivalry meetings. The Green Archers also earned their second consecutive victory, improving to 3-2 in UAAP Season 89 men’s basketball.
Coach Topex Robinson said his players discussed the rivalry milestone before facing Ateneo in their latest elimination-round encounter. His remarks linked the historic occasion to La Salle’s preparations rather than treating the 50-50 record as an afterthought.
“We really discussed this prior to this game, how important it is for everyone, and we just stuck to what we prepared for. We did something that we committed to, and we said whatever happens, as long as we stuck to what we prepared for, we’ll have no regrets,” Robinson said.
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Century Mark Adds Historic Rivalry Milestone
The result left both schools with 50 victories from their first 100 UAAP men’s basketball meetings since 1986. La Salle joined Ateneo and National University at 3-2, placing all three teams in a tie for second.
Green Archers Take Control Down the Stretch
La Salle held a narrow 63-62 advantage entering the fourth quarter before Ateneo mounted another late challenge Wednesday. Jared Bahay hit a three-pointer, and Grayson Rogers converted an and-one to reduce the deficit to 72-70.
With 4:34 remaining, the Green Archers turned to free throws after rookie Joaquin Tovera drew two fouls. Jcee Macalalag also earned three attempts after being fouled beyond the arc, converting each opportunity for La Salle.
Seven Free Throws Help Create Separation
Tovera made four free throws during the decisive stretch, adding to his team-leading 15 points against Ateneo. Macalalag also finished with 15, giving the Green Archers two leading scorers during their historic rivalry victory.
Amos and Cortez Deliver Closing Three-Pointers
Mason Amos and Jacob Cortez followed the free throws with three-pointers, stretching La Salle’s advantage to 83-72. Their baskets established an 11-point cushion with 2:14 remaining, putting Ateneo under significant pressure during the finish.
Cortez finished with 12 points, five assists, and three rebounds while recording a game-high plus-16 rating. He played 31 minutes and supplied a late three-pointer after watching the rivalry throughout his childhood years.
Cortez Embraces Family Connection to Rivalry
Cortez recalled attending La Salle games as a child while his father Mike played for the Green Archers. His own three-pointer added a personal milestone to the schools’ 100th UAAP meeting, which La Salle ultimately won.
“It’s embracing the moment because ever since I was a kid, my dad used to play for La Salle and growing up, I used to watch games like this. I used to be that kid in the crowd wanting to play. Now I’m embracing the moment,” Cortez said.
Tovera Shines in First Ateneo-La Salle Game
Joaquin Tovera scored 15 points in his first Ateneo-La Salle rivalry game, leading the Green Archers alongside Macalalag. The 18-year-old from Chino Hills, California, also contributed four rebounds and four assists in 21 minutes, 44 seconds.
Tovera had already scored 22 points against National University in his UAAP debut earlier in September. His performance against Ateneo offered another documented contribution during La Salle’s early bid to defend its championship.
Rookie Scores 15 in Rivalry Debut
Doy Dungo added 10 points, while Macalalag matched Tovera’s 15 to give La Salle four double-digit scorers. Cortez’s 12 points completed that group, providing support alongside the rookie’s productive first meeting with Ateneo.
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Ateneo Falls Short After Late Breakdown
Shawn Tuano led Ateneo with 17 points and five steals as the Blue Eagles fell to 3-2. Jared Bahay contributed 14 points, three rebounds, and three assists during Ateneo’s seven-point defeat Wednesday evening.
Kieffer Alas scored five points on 2-of-11 shooting during his first senior Ateneo-La Salle rivalry appearance. The rookie previously represented De La Salle Zobel before joining Ateneo’s men’s basketball program for UAAP Season 89.
Tuano Leads Blue Eagles With 17 Points
Ateneo entered the fourth quarter trailing by one, but La Salle’s late scoring ultimately decided the contest. The Blue Eagles remained tied with La Salle and National University at 3-2 following Wednesday’s rivalry defeat.
Analytical Breakdown: History Added Another Chapter
La Salle’s late execution separated the teams, with disciplined attacks and timely perimeter shooting turning a two-point margin into control. Tovera’s composure was especially valuable, as the rookie created scoring opportunities without allowing the rivalry atmosphere to disrupt decisions. Reaching 50-50 after 100 meetings reflects remarkable competitive balance, while La Salle’s closing performance provided the latest decisive chapter.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the La Salle versus Ateneo final score?
La Salle defeated Ateneo, 83-76, in their 100th UAAP men’s basketball meeting at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
What is the Ateneo-La Salle UAAP head-to-head record?
The teams are tied at 50-50 after the Green Archers won their 100th UAAP men’s basketball encounter.
Who led La Salle against Ateneo?
Joaquin Tovera and Jcee Macalalag scored 15 points each to lead La Salle during its victory over Ateneo.
How did Jacob Cortez perform against Ateneo?
Cortez contributed 12 points, five assists, and three rebounds while posting a game-high plus-16 rating against Ateneo.
How did Kieffer Alas perform in his first rivalry game?
Alas finished with five points on 2-of-11 shooting during his first senior-level rivalry appearance against La Salle.
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