CLUTCH genes are undeniable, but in the eyes of coach Topex Robinson, Jacob Cortez' late game heroics remind him of another cold-blooded killer by the name of Robert Bolick.
"They don't need to be coached, they know what's at stake, and they're willing to take the heat," the La Salle coach said.
Indeed, the shared guts are uncanny, with Bolick probably being the last absolute clutch killer to see the day in the collegiate ranks before Cortez.
And Robinson should know.
That moustached bandit from Ormoc and reppin' San Beda was the biggest thorn on his side and denied Lyceum the NCAA championship twice back in 2017 and 2018.
Fast forward to now with the Green Archers and the soft-spoken mentor is happy to have a Red Lion by his side - for a change.
"The thing that defines Jacob is he's willing to take the heat and just really not letting go of that opportunity that's gonna be given to him," he said. "I don't know how he does it, but he's really clutch."
San Beda saves season for La Salle
That was the case again on Wednesday when Cortez had the leather in his hands in the final minute and dropped the stepback three that gave Green Archers the killer blow in their 74-70 Game One win against the University of the Philippines in the UAAP Season 88 men's basketball Finals.
READ: La Salle takes fight out of UP to move a win away from regaining crown
"One thing that he has is freaking heart, kaya nakalimutan ko na yung tatay niya eh. All I remember is Jacob Cortez and true enough, he's really a winner," said the Green Archers shot-caller of his star guard who finished with 21 points, four rebounds, and two assists in the win that moved the Taft side a win away from completing their redemption tour.
So with Cortez by his side, has Robinson's feelings changed towards Bedans?
To that, he amusingly answered: "Oo naman, napakasarap maging kakampi ng Bedista."
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