Metro Manila, Philippines – The De La Salle University Green Archers went on a fourth-quarter rampage to tame the University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigers, 92-80, in their second round encounter on Sunday, Oct. 25, at the Blue Eagle Gym in Quezon City.
The Green Archers outscored the Growling Tigers, 25-9, in the final frame to pick up their second straight victory in the UAAP Season 89 men’s basketball tournament.
La Salle played without their star guard Jacob Cortez, who suffered a knee injury in the previous game against the University of the East Red Warriors.
Rookie Joaquin Tovera, who started in place of Cortez, delivered an all-around performance of 15 points, seven rebounds, nine assists, and three steals for the Green Archers.
JC Macalalag led La Salle with a career-high 28 points on top of three rebounds and three assists.
Doy Dungo also added 24 points, four rebounds, and four assists for the Green Archers.
La Salle improved to 5-4 for solo third as the Final Four race tightens, while UST dropped to 4-5 for seventh place.
Amiel Acido posted a team-high 20 points to go along with seven rebounds and three assists for the Growling Tigers.
The Green Archers will next face their archrivals Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles on Oct. 31 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City, while UST hopes to bounce back against the league-leading National University Bulldogs on the same day.
