Metro Manila, Philippines – Joaquin Tovera made his presence felt immediately in the UAAP as the rookie helped the De La Salle University Green Archers fend off the National University (NU) Bulldogs, 89-87, to begin their title defense bid in the Season 89 men’s basketball tournament on Sunday, Sept. 13, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.
The 18-year-old Tovera, a product of Chino Hills High School in the US, dropped 22 points on 57 percent shooting and three steals in 14 minutes of action off the bench for the Green Archers.
“At first, I was nervous but once I stepped on the court, I just wanna show what I have. It was a great experience,” Tovera said after the victory.
La Salle’s 14-point lead early in the fourth quarter was slowly erased by the Bulldogs as the Sampaloc-based squad cut the deficit to just one point with under three minutes remaining in the match.
Doy Dungo knocked down a crucial three-pointer from the wing to give the Green Archers more breathing room with 49.5 seconds left in the game. He finished with 12 points and two assists.
Luis Pablo took care of business in the interior as he tallied 16 points and seven rebounds, while Jacob Cortez had a quiet outing with nine points for La Salle.
Tebol Garcia and Kenshin Padrones paced NU with 14 markers apiece as they continued to struggle in their matchup against the Green Archers.
La Salle will aim for two wins in a row when it takes on the University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigers on Sept. 16 at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
The Bulldogs, meanwhile, will tackle the University of the East Red Warriors on Sept. 19 at the Big Dome.
