La Salle OT escape extends UE’s slump

MANILA, Philippines — Reigning champion La Salle dodged a major upset bid from University of the East in overtime, 97-88, and dealt the latter its 28th straight defeat in the UAAP Season 89 men’s basketball second round yesterday at the Mall of Asia Arena.

The Green Archers wasted a 13-point lead before staging a 17-6 closeout in extra session to improve to 4-4 and drag the Red Warriors to the second-longest skid in UAAP history.

UE, now winless since 2024, broke a tie with the University of the Philippines that went without a win for 27 straight games from Seasons 75 to 77 (2012 to 2014). Adamson still has the longest drought ever at 35 games from 1999 to 2002.

But La Salle, as heavy favorite, had to work for every point and in every minute  to pull UE to the other end of history after a 74-all score in regulation and an 80-all count in the last three minutes of OT.

Mason Amos led the way with 17 points, nine rebounds, two assists, a steal and a block for the Green Archers, who also snapped a two-game slide to stay in the airtight race at the middle pack of the team standings.

La Salle, which ended the first round with tough losses to rival UP (80-76) and Adamson (63-60), drew ample support from JC Macalalag and Henry Agunnane with 14 and 13 points, respectively.

Doy Dungo and Joaquin Tovera chipped in 12 and 11 points, respectively, to fill the second-half absence of ace player Jacob Cortez.