Jacob Cortez may have been sidelined, but his leadership remained at the heart of De La Salle University’s offense as the Green Archers leaned on career performances from Jcee Macalalag and Doy Dungo to overpower University of Santo Tomas, 92-80, on Sunday in the UAAP Season 89 Collegiate Men’s Basketball Tournament.
Sidelined by a day-to-day right knee injury, Cortez made his presence felt by constantly communicating with his teammates and offering instructions from the sidelines as La Salle improved to 5-4 to take solo third place in the standings.
The recipients of his advice and encouragement responded in spectacular fashion. Macalalag and Dungo delivered career-best performances in the crucial victory that avenged the Green Archers’ first-round loss to the Growling Tigers.
“We’re happy with the win and thankful ako na nag-stick kami sa game plan. Thankful din ako sa tiwala ng coaches and my teammates, especially si Jacob. Kasi before the game he talked to me, ‘yung kumpyansa niya sa akin nandoon, so coming from him, it was a big boost sa akin,” said Macalalag after the game at the Blue Eagle Gym.
“Sa amin naman, papunta pa lang dito, alam naman namin kung ano ‘yung game plan namin. So nag-stick lang talaga kami at alam namin na wala si Jacob. Siya ang captain ng offense namin. Lagi niya lang kaming kinakausap kanina kung ano ‘yung mga puwede naming gawin sa loob,” shared Dungo.
(C) UAAP Season 89 Media Team
Macalalag led the charge with a career-high 28 points on 10-of-16 shooting from the field, including 6-of-8 from beyond the arc. He also contributed three rebounds and three assists.
Dungo was equally impressive, finishing with 24 points on four three-pointers, along with four rebounds and four assists. Both their performances helped the Green Archers pull away in the fourth quarter, outscoring UST, 25-9.
Joaquin Tovera, who was called upon to start in place of Cortez, also delivered an all-around performance with 15 points, nine assists, seven rebounds, and three steals.
For Macalalag, the team’s ability to step up in Cortez’s absence reflects the culture that La Salle has been building under head coach Topex Robinson.
“Ito kasi ‘yung culture na bini-build namin sa La Salle simula nung nag-start si Coach Topex,” he shared.
“‘Yung next man up mentality pagka meron kaming player na na-injure, so for us, we just stayed ready kasi hindi naman natin alam na dadating ‘yung ganitong situation.”
Aside from Cortez, Lebron Daep was also unavailable due to an ankle sprain. However, the Green Archers are hopeful that both players will be ready for their next game against the Ateneo Blue Eagles on Saturday at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.
