Like clockwork, La Salle turned to Jacob Cortez in the clutch against Ateneo.
The Green Archers’ decision to turn to Cortez paid off in an 83-76 win over the Blue Eagles in the UAAP Season 89 men’s basketball tournament at Mall of Asia Arena on Wednesday.
Cortez had struggled to find his rhythm earlier in the tournament. Before La Salle’s current two-game winning streak began with a victory over University of the East, he managed just six points on 2-of-8 shooting against Far Eastern University.
Against their rivals, Cortez scored eight of his 12 points in the crucial payoff period push to help La Salle improve to 3-2.
Green Archers’ coach Topex Robinson, for one, was pleased to see his star player get back his clutch touch.
‘I don’t know if you guys remember but this guy made us lose against UST,’ Robinson said in jest.
‘But, seven months ago, we won the title with him. We will win with Jacob and we will lose with Jacob, that will not change.’
Cortez also finished with five assists, three rebounds and a steal.
‘I think that’s where the magic happens. When he trusts his coaches and teammates good things are bound to happen,’ said Robinson.
Cortez, for his part, said the rivalry energy got him going.