Defending Champions Snap Losing Streak with Overtime Victory
La Salle overcame 31 turnovers and a determined UE challenge, rallying for a 97-88 overtime victory in UAAP Season 89. Mason Amos and Joaquin Tovera delivered late as the defending champions opened their second-round campaign by ending a two-game slide.
La Salle Survives 31 Turnovers to Beat UE in Overtime
Mark Rey Montejo of Manila Bulletin covered La Salle’s comeback Wednesday at the Mall of Asia Arena against winless UE. The Green Archers improved to 4-4 despite committing 31 turnovers and playing the second half without guard Jacob Cortez.
La Salle entered overtime tied at 74 before eventually pulling away for a nine-point victory against the Red Warriors. Amos led the Green Archers with 17 points while Tovera contributed across several statistical categories during the difficult win.
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Amos Calls for Better Ball Security
Amos credited teammates for stepping forward during the victory while acknowledging La Salle’s 31 turnovers required significant improvement moving forward.
“I think just guys stepping up, whether it’s us or even the rookies,” said Amos. “We just have to stick together and I think moving forward just taking care of the basketball like always coach said, 31 turnovers for any team is unacceptable, we just have to improve moving forward,” he added.
His comments provided La Salle’s firsthand assessment after the Green Archers survived UE’s comeback and secured their fourth Season 89 victory.
UE Erases Double-Digit Deficit to Force Overtime
La Salle controlled the opening quarter, 27-16, before carrying another 11-point advantage into halftime with a 40-29 score. UE reduced that deficit after halftime, eventually leaving the Green Archers with only a seven-point advantage entering the fourth quarter.
The Red Warriors completed their comeback during the final period, with Toper Lagat providing a late drive during the rally. Regulation ended with the teams tied at 74, forcing La Salle into overtime after surrendering its earlier double-digit advantage.
Lagat Leads Red Warriors’ Second-Half Comeback
Lagat finished with 20 points, five rebounds, and six steals while helping UE erase La Salle’s substantial first-half advantage. Lance Sabroso added 18 points, Mo Tañada scored 16, and Cole Cruz-Dumont contributed 13 for the Red Warriors.
Tovera and Amos Deliver During Overtime Finish
Tovera responded during overtime after committing a costly late turnover that contributed to UE extending the game beyond regulation. His jumper moved La Salle ahead, 86-82, with less than two minutes remaining during the decisive extra period.
Amos followed Tovera’s basket by completing an and-one, stretching La Salle’s advantage to seven points at 89-82. UE could not produce another comeback afterward, allowing the Green Archers to complete their 97-88 victory and stop their skid.
La Salle Pulls Away After 74-74 Regulation Tie
Tovera finished with 11 points, eight rebounds, four assists, two steals, and one block despite committing six turnovers. Amos posted 17 points, nine rebounds, two assists, one block, and one steal while leading La Salle’s overtime victory.
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Balanced Scoring Helps La Salle Overcome Cortez Injury
JC Macalalag scored 14 points, while Henry Agunanne contributed 13 points, seven rebounds, and three blocks during La Salle’s victory. Doy Dungo added 12 points, giving the Green Archers five double-digit scorers when combined with Amos and Tovera.
That production came as Cortez missed the entire second half after suffering what the supplied report described as an apparent injury. His absence reduced La Salle’s available backcourt personnel while the Green Archers navigated UE’s second-half rally and eventual overtime period.
Five Green Archers Score in Double Figures
Amos led La Salle with 17 points, followed by Macalalag’s 14 and Agunanne’s 13 during the overtime victory. Dungo contributed 12 points and Tovera added 11, completing La Salle’s five-player group of double-digit scorers against UE.
La Salle Ends Two-Game Slide as UE Falls to 0-8
Wednesday’s victory moved La Salle to 4-4 while ending the defending champion’s two-game losing streak entering the Season 89 second round. The result provided the Green Archers their fourth victory after UE erased an 11-point halftime deficit and forced overtime.
UE dropped to 0-8 and extended its overall UAAP losing streak to 28 consecutive games following another competitive defeat. The Red Warriors’ prolonged skid dates to the second round of Season 87 despite their strong comeback effort Wednesday.
Red Warriors’ UAAP Losing Streak Reaches 28 Games
UE remains without a Season 89 victory after losing its first eight games, including Wednesday’s overtime defeat against La Salle. The Red Warriors have now dropped 28 consecutive UAAP contests since their last victory during the Season 87 second round.
Analytical Breakdown: Amos and Tovera Rescue a Sloppy La Salle
La Salle’s 31 turnovers remain the biggest concern because repeated giveaways prevent its balanced offense from consistently establishing rhythm. Amos and Tovera showed valuable composure by producing decisive overtime plays after UE turned La Salle’s mistakes into momentum. The Green Archers must protect possessions better because stronger second-round opponents could punish those turnovers before late execution becomes relevant.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did La Salle beat UE in UAAP Season 89?
La Salle defeated UE, 97-88, in overtime to begin its UAAP Season 89 second-round campaign with a victory.
How many points did Mason Amos score against UE?
Amos led La Salle with 17 points while adding nine rebounds, two assists, one block, and one steal.
How many turnovers did La Salle commit?
The Green Archers committed 31 turnovers despite eventually defeating the Red Warriors by nine points in overtime.
What is La Salle’s UAAP Season 89 record?
La Salle improved to 4-4 after snapping its two-game losing streak with Wednesday’s overtime victory against UE.
How long is UE’s losing streak?
UE has lost 28 consecutive UAAP games dating to the second round of Season 87 and remains 0-8 this season.
Disclaimer: Headline Image from Sports Inquirer – Inquirer.net.
