Defending champion De La Salle University launched its UAAP Season 89 Men’s Basketball Tournament campaign on a high note, narrowly fending off National University, 89-87, on Sunday, September 13.
Rookie Joaquin Tovera staged a breakout performance in his collegiate debut, spearheading the Green Archers with a game-high 22 points alongside three steals in just under 15 minutes of action.
The 18-year-old Chino Hills High School standout quickly adapted to the grand stage.
“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.
La Salle established a comfortable 78-64 lead early in the fourth quarter before NU staged a ferocious 20-7 counter-attack, pulling within a single point at 85-84 with under three minutes remaining.
Doy Dungo snapped the scoring drought by sinking a clutch three-pointer with 49.5 seconds left to extend La Salle’s lead to 88-84. Following split free throws and a driving layup by NU’s Reinhard Jumamoy, the Bulldogs trailed 88-87 with 6.3 seconds on the clock.
A missed pair of free throws by Jacob Cortez offered NU a lifeline, but Mason Amos secured a vital offensive rebound over PJ Palacielo. Amos was subsequently fouled and hit one of two free throws to make it 89-87. Palacielo had a chance to win the game at the buzzer, but his open corner three-pointer missed the mark.
“As always, it’s gonna be a battle until that final buzzer. We were able to pull away early but NU was able to get back. You just have to appreciate the way these guys responded. It’s not really an easy task to play NU. The guys are just contributing and helping each other our especially in the defensive end,” Green Archers head coach Topex Robinson said.
Luis Pablo provided 16 points, seven rebounds, and two blocks, while Dungo added 12 points for the Green Archers. Both players will suit up for La Salle against the University of Santo Tomas on Wednesday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena before departing to join the Gilas Pilipinas 3×3 roster for the 2026 Asian Games in Nagoya, Japan.
Tebol Garcia and Kenshin Padrones paced NU with 14 points apiece, while returning Malian center Mo Diassana notched a double-double of 12 points and 12 rebounds.
The Bulldogs aim for their first win against the University of the East on Saturday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.