Jacob Cortez tried to carry De La Salle University on his back, but University of the Philippines had a plan — and it worked.
The Green Archers’ ace guard faced constant pressure in a 66-63 loss that forced the UAAP Season 88 Collegiate Men’s Basketball Finals to a winner-take-all Game Three on Wednesday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
Determined to prevent Cortez from repeating his Game One heroics, UP deployed an aggressive defensive scheme specifically designed to disrupt his rhythm.
For long stretches, the 5-foot-11 guard was shadowed by Fighting Maroons sophomore Jacob Bayla under a box-and-one setup.
The strategy largely contained Cortez.
The former San Beda Red Lion led La Salle with 16 points and four rebounds, but managed only 6-of-15 shooting from the field.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
More importantly, the defense prevented another late-game clutch moment, forcing him to pass to Vhoris Marasigan, whose three-pointer missed with 24 seconds left and La Salle trailing by two.
“I think everyone expected that,” said the former University of Santo Tomas standout. “That’s why I told my teammates to be more aggressive. Earlier, they were kind of tentative. It’s up to me to lead them and encourage them to take those shots or to not be hesitant.
“We already expected the aggressive defensive plays they’re gonna use to deny me and get me off my game. I guess it worked for this game.”
Cortez remained composed despite the setback, acknowledging UP’s superior aggression while vowing that the Green Archers will regroup for the decisive Game Three.
The son of legendary Green Archer Mike Cortez admitted that UP dictated the pace, especially on the defensive end, and lauded their clutch late-game execution, including crucial shots from Gerry Abadiano.
“You could say that they wanted it more,” he said. “They were a lot more aggressive on the defensive end. Gerry made some tough shots at the end, which was kind of expected. Then again, as coach said, that’s the finals.
“The Maroon 5 don’t wanna go home as well. They made some tough shots. We’ll give it to them. We just need to stay ready for Game Three.”
