Jacob Cortez and Kean Baclaan have built their bond long before they suited up for De La Salle University this UAAP season.
Both served residency together and honed their chemistry in La Salle’s Team B, sharing the same goal of redemption after transferring — Cortez from San Beda University and Baclaan from National University.
That connection shone brightest on Wednesday night.
When Baclaan, who was having a stellar game, went down with a leg injury late in the fourth quarter, Cortez took it upon himself to fight for his fallen brother.
And his performance willed La Salle to a stunning come-from-behind 111-110 overtime win over University of the East at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
Baclaan had been the spark that kept the Green Archers alive despite the offensive onslaught of Precious Momowei, Wello Lingolingo, and John Abate that saw UE lead 75-54 with 6:24 left in the third.
The crafty guard dropped nine points during the furious rally that trimmed the deficit to 84-89 with 4:20 remaining in regulation.
But disaster struck when Lingolingo accidentally landed on Baclaan’s legs during a loose-ball scramble, sending the guard from Muntinlupa screaming in pain before being stretchered off the court.
Hearing his close friend cry out lit a fire under Cortez and the rest of the Green Archers.
“Like what Mike (Phillips) said earlier, the way he was screaming, I’ve never heard him like that. When I was watching him getting stretchered off the court, at first it was sad, but also it was motivation for us,” Cortez said.
“It was a sign to step up — and not only did I step up, everybody stepped up today.”
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
The combo guard responded with a monster performance, pouring in 26 points, five assists, four steals, and two rebounds, including 16 markers after Baclaan’s exit.
His poise and leadership anchored the Green Archers’ rally that spoiled Momowei’s 42-point eruption for the Red Warriors.
“I was super eager, but then again, I had to lock in and focus because that tends to make me gigil or overdo it,” Cortez admitted.
“But luckily, I was mature enough to stay composed and relaxed, and I think I got my teammates to stay composed as well — and that ended up with a win. So thank God for that.”
It was a gutsy win for La Salle, which also lost Mason Amos to a knee injury just days earlier against National University.
The Green Archers evened their record to 3-3, but the focus remains on Baclaan’s recovery ahead of their highly anticipated clash with University of the Philippines on Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
