LA SALLE made sure its two-game slide did not turn into a trend in UAAP Season 89, piling onto the University of the East’s woes, 112-87, Sunday at the Philsports Arena in Pasig.
The Green Archers are not accustomed to searching for answers this early in a title defense.
But after stumbling twice in succession, the reigning kings needed a game to steady themselves and restore some of the swagger that carried them to the crown last season.
They found it against a regrouping Red Warriors squad still searching for its breakthrough, as they suffered a 25th straight defeat.
Green Archers get back on track
"I always tell these guys that we learn and grow together. Part of growth is getting out of our comfort zone. Through all those circumstances, it's an opportunity for us to grow," said La Salle head coach Topex Robinson.
There was no need for theatrics from the Green Archers, with Mason Amos and Jacob Cortez leading the charge, as they found their rhythm early. Amos held the fort with 19 points and five rebounds, while Cortez turned in his best game yet this season with 15 points and four assists.
Jacob’s younger brother Mikey also shouldered his share of the load off the bench with 11 points, helping the green-and-white pile up 112 points, the most scored in a single game so far this season.
That collective effort proved enough to offset a career and season-high 30-point explosion from UE’s Toper Lagat, whose offensive outburst could not break the Red Warriors' skid just yet.
The Scores:
LA SALLE 112 – Amos 19, J. Cortez 15, M. Cortez 11, Agunanne 11, Dungo 10, Tovera 10, Pablo 8, Abadam 8, Gagate 6, Marasigan 4, Macalalag 4, Quines 3, Daep 2, Sharma 1, Sardon 0, Gomez 0.
UE 87 – Lagat 30, Tañedo 14, Carillo 12, Dungca 12, Vazquez 7, Robles 5, Cole-Dumont 3, Edoukou 2, Santos 2, Sabroso 0, Jimenez 0.
Quarters: 31-19, 61-42, 89-65, 112-87.
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