MANILA, Philippines — The De La Salle University Green Archers survived a major scare from the University of the East Red Warriors, pulling out a 97-88 overtime victory to open the second round of the UAAP Season 89 men’s basketball tournament on October 21 at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
What appeared to be a manageable game for the defending champions turned into a tense battle as UE repeatedly erased La Salle’s leads, forced a 74-all deadlock in regulation and pushed the contest into extra time.
La Salle eventually regained control in overtime, with Mason Amos and Joaquin Tovera delivering crucial baskets to secure the nine-point victory.
The win ended the Green Archers’ two-game losing streak and improved their record to 4-4, providing a much-needed boost as the race for the Final Four intensifies.
But the narrow escape also exposed areas La Salle needs to address if it hopes to defend its championship.
Mason Amos Leads La Salle When It Matters Most
Amos spearheaded La Salle’s offense with 17 points and nine rebounds, providing the Green Archers with a reliable scoring option during a game in which UE refused to go away.
JC Macalalag added 14 points, while Henry Agunanne contributed 13 points and seven rebounds. Andrei Dungo finished with 12 points, and Tovera added 11.
Their combined efforts helped La Salle withstand UE’s late-game surge and finally establish separation in overtime.
The Green Archers also found an advantage inside the paint, scoring 60 points in that area compared with UE’s 38, according to NewsWatch Plus.
Despite the victory, La Salle committed 31 turnovers, a costly weakness that could become more damaging against opponents with stronger defensive pressure.
UE Erases La Salle’s Lead and Forces Overtime
The Red Warriors showed determination despite entering the game without a victory in the tournament.
La Salle had built a 13-point advantage at 50-37 early in the third quarter, but UE responded with a 22-9 scoring run to tie the game at 59-all.
The Red Warriors continued to apply pressure and eventually took a five-point lead, 66-61, in the fourth quarter.
La Salle answered with an 11-0 run to move ahead, 72-66, with just over a minute remaining in regulation.
However, UE refused to surrender.
Tope Lagat and Lance Sabroso helped the Red Warriors mount another comeback, with their late baskets tying the game at 74-all and forcing overtime.
The dramatic finish highlighted UE’s ability to compete with the defending champions, even as the team continued its search for a breakthrough victory.
UE’s Losing Streak Reaches 28 Games
While La Salle celebrated its escape, UE faced another painful result.
The 97-88 defeat extended the Red Warriors’ losing streak to 28 consecutive games, leaving them at 0-8 in UAAP Season 89.
According to reporting by The Philippine Star, the streak became the second-longest in UAAP men’s basketball history, surpassing the University of the Philippines’ 27-game drought from Seasons 75 to 77 between 2012 and 2014.
Adamson University still holds the longest recorded losing streak, at 35 games spanning 1999 to 2002.
UE nevertheless showed signs of offensive resilience against La Salle.
Lagat led the Red Warriors with 20 points, while Sabroso scored 18 and Mo Tañedo added 16. Cole Cruz-Dumont contributed 13 points.
The challenge now is turning those competitive performances into actual victories. For UE, a strong comeback means little in the standings unless the team can close out games successfully.
La Salle Must Address Its Inconsistency
The overtime victory was important for the Green Archers, who entered the second round following difficult defeats against archrival UP and Adamson.
However, the struggle against a winless UE side demonstrated why La Salle cannot afford to rely on late-game heroics throughout the remainder of the season.
The Green Archers will need to protect leads, reduce turnovers and maintain defensive discipline to remain competitive against the tournament’s leading teams.
The team’s situation also warrants attention following reports that key player Jacob Cortez left the UE game with an injury during the second quarter. His availability for subsequent games could influence La Salle’s offensive rotation, although his recovery status should be confirmed through an official team update.
What Comes Next in UAAP Season 89?
La Salle is scheduled to face the University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigers on October 25, according to NewsWatch Plus. The matchup offers the defending champions another opportunity to build momentum after their overtime escape.
UE, meanwhile, is set to face UP on the same date, giving the Red Warriors another chance to end their prolonged losing streak.
The opening games of the second round have underscored the importance of consistency, composure and execution in close contests.
For La Salle, the immediate goal is to turn a hard-earned victory into sustained momentum. For UE, the priority is finally converting its fight and determination into a win.
The question now is whether La Salle can regain its championship form before the pressure intensifies—or whether its recurring struggles will leave the defending champions vulnerable in the race for the Final Four.
