Archers escape Bulldogs to open UAAP title repeat bid

MANILA, Philippines -- La Salle fended off the gritty National University Bulldogs, 89-87, to kick off their UAAP men’s basketball title defense on a high note Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. 

The Green Archers saw their 14-point lead shrink to just one late in the fourth, but held on to take the victory in their Season 89 opener. 

Rookie Joaquin Tovera powered La Salle after an impressive debut, scoring 22 points on 8-of-14 shooting. Luis Pablo added 16 markers, seven boards, two blocks and an assist, while Doy Dungo had 12 points. 

La Salle led by 14 points, 78-64, with 8:45 remaining after a Pablo jumper. 

But a 20-7 run, capped by a Mo Diassana deuce, sliced the deficit to one, 84-85, with 2:42 left. 

After a series of misses by both teams, Dungo connected on a triple to push the lead to four, 88-84, with 49.5 seconds to go. 

After a split from the line by Diassana and a layup by Reinhand Jumamoy made it a one-point lead anew, 87-88, NU had to foul to stop the clock.

Jacob Cortez then missed both free throws, but Mason Amos was able to carom the board. Amos, missed the first and made the second, making it an 89-87 ballgame with 3.6 seconds left.

NU had a chance to either tie it or go for the win, and they went for the latter, with PJ Palacielo finding himself open on the corner. 

He had a good look, but his shot was short as time expired. 

Cortez and Earl Abadam had nine points each in the win. 

Tebol Garcia and Kenshin Padrones stood tall for NU with 14 markers each. The former had six dimes and three boards, while the latter had seven boards. Diassana and Palacielo added 12 and 10 points, respectively, for the Bulldogs. 

La Salle will return to action this Wednesday, facing off against the University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigers, 5:30 p.m., at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City. 

NU, on the other hand, will clash with the University of the East Red Warriors next Saturday, 3 p.m., at the Big Dome.