Jacob Cortez couldn’t help but lament La Salle’s recent woes even after getting back on the winning track in the UAAP Season 89 men’s basketball tournament on Sunday.
The Green Archers ended a two-game skid following a 112-87 romp of the University of the East Red Warriors. Billed as one of the favorites to win, defending champion La Salle has gotten off to a shaky start, splitting its first four games.
‘We didn’t play like ourselves in the past games,’ said Cortez. ‘Given the situation of the UAAP, everyone is almost tied, so every game is crucial from now on.’
Cortez dropped 15 points on a blistering 60 percent shooting clip as the Archers improved to 2-2 and kept the Red Warriors winless after five games.
Before rolling past UE, La Salle lost to University of Santo Tomas and surprise leader Far Eastern University.
Cortez and La Salle will have a tough one coming up with fierce rival and pacesetter Ateneo next on Wednesday at Mall of Asia Arena.
‘Ateneo is at the top of the standings, so we have to stay focused. How we play is how we practice. We need to do better.’