Ahead of the latest chapter in the fabled Ateneo-La Salle rivalry, the collegiate basketball world turned its full attention to a landmark game — the 100th meeting between the Blue Eagles and Green Archers, with La Salle having an opportunity to draw the all-time head-to-head record level at 50 wins apiece.
Yet amid the surrounding hype and historic narrative, La Salle rookie Joaquin Tovera approached the main event oblivious to the milestone at stake. He preferred, instead, to focus purely on the task at hand.
Despite downplaying the game’s magnitude beforehand, Tovera let his production speak for itself, leading the Green Archers with 15 points, four assists, and four rebounds.
“I didn’t really care about the rivalry,” said the 5-foot-10 guard from Chino Hills, California.
“I just wanted to play and give all I got because we gotta compete. I didn’t wanna think too much about the rivalry and have it start getting to my head.”
Tovera’s understated approach was so notable that head coach Topex Robinson addressed it directly during the post-game press conference.
The two-time UAAP champion mentor revealed that the former Gilas U18 standout was largely unaware of the rivalry’s deep history, simply “chilling in the dugout” before tip-off.
(C) UAAP Season 89 Media Team
“I just remind him all the time that you’re gonna look back at this and tell yourself how blessed and fortunate you are to be part of this kind of team and institution,” Robinson said.
“Minsan bagong gising palagi, but that’s really him. But he knows his basketball, and that’s what we really like and appreciate about this kid.”
Tovera, however, dismissed the notion that he was indifferent toward the rivalry. He emphasized that he simply “locked in and played” rather than allowing the magnitude of the occasion to get into his head.
He admitted that the high-stakes environment provided extra motivation — a prime opportunity to bolster his Rookie of the Year credentials as he was also facing batchmate Kieffer Alas.
“There’s a little rivalry trying to compete for the Rookie of the Year. We’re both great players. I just want to show up when I get him,” said Tovera, who added: “It’s pretty obvious who the rookies are, but I just want to play the hardest I can on the court.”
It remains to be seen whether Tovera can maintain his composure and match it with production in La Salle’s finals rematch against University of the Philippines this Sunday, given his off-season history with the Fighting Maroons.
He will undoubtedly draw a hostile reaction from the UP crowd at the SM Mall of Asia Arena. Yet, just as he did against Ateneo, Tovera aims to tune out the spectacle and stay true to his game.
“Block all the noise and give everything I have on the court,” Tovera said of his approach.
