When Mason Amos and Kean Baclaan went down with knee injuries, many wondered how De La Salle University would respond.
The Green Archers were missing two of their key pieces, but the remaining Green Archers turned adversity into motivation, stepping up in a 72-69 triumph over University of the Philippines.
Luis Pablo led the charge, pouring in 14 points and grabbing six rebounds.
“Super thankful, especially kay God,” he said.
“We owe it to Kean and Mason. It’s sad and hard na they’re not with us on the court. Every game, we offer it to them. They may not be on the court with us but their hearts and spirits are with us.
“Super happy na we got this win but things are far from over. We’re focused on the next game right away,” Pablo added.
Court general Jacob Cortez echoed Pablo’s sentiment after tallying 12 points, six assists, five rebounds, and two steals.
“I think after the first round, we finally found the click,” he said. “It’s all about sticking together. Besides the X’s and O’s, we just got to stick together, trust each other, and I think that’s what’s gonna help us win.
“That’s gonna help us in the second round and eventually in the playoffs.”
Entering the game with a 3-3 record and missing Amos and Baclaan, La Salle faced doubts from fans and analysts alike.
Could the current roster rise to the occasion? Another loss might have derailed their Final Four hopes.
All it took was a simple message from the injured duo to ignite the team.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
“They just messaged the GC and said just to win today,” said Cortez, who wore the jersey of Baclaan during the pregame warmup. “Just by them messaging, they just sparked not only me but everyone’s fuel for today’s game. We mentioned in the dugout that we’re gonna play every game for them, and it’s up to us to play well. We’re gonna dedicate every game for them.
“I feel like I have to take the responsibility to step it up a notch and lead this team into the playoffs, the finals, and eventually the championship,” Cortez added.
“It starts from the residency group. We waited for a year and we played some games. I think our bond is stronger, and it became stronger when they came into the team, did their job, but I don’t know if they’ll be back again.”
Pablo, who arguably personified La Salle’s determination, had his breakout collegiate performance against his former school.
Yet, he insists his motivation wasn’t personal glory.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
“Since Mason and Kean are out, Coach T is always reminding me of my role for this team,” Pablo said. “Going into this game, wala akong mindset na I have to score, I have to do this. It’s clear naman what we and Coach T talked about. He told me what’s my role.
“In every game, my mindset lang is to fulfill my role and whatever coach wants me to do.”
Whether Amos and Baclaan can return this Season 88 remains uncertain, but La Salle’s momentum is undeniable. Despite the setbacks, the Green Archers are pulling together at the right time.
“Very proud because everyone stepped up,” said Cortez.
“It’s my job to keep reminding them that it’s just not me, it’s not just Mike (Phillips), but everyone, and I’m glad they all showed up today. We’re gonna need that in the second round.”
#WATCH: Jacob Cortez takes pride in La Salle’s collective effort to topple UP despite missing Mason Amos and Kean Baclaan 🏹 🏀#ReadMore 👉 https://t.co/y2kHmqzu64
📹 @ErnestTuazon /Tiebreaker Times#UAAPSeason88 pic.twitter.com/T9n9WwJpGc
— Tiebreaker Times (@tiebreakertimes) October 19, 2025
