By: Joaquin Cortez
Joaquin Tovera received a surprisingly warm welcome from University of the Philippines fans in his first game against the Fighting Maroons since his sudden decommitment last July, with cheers greeting the De La Salle University rookie instead of the jeers many might have expected.
However, the 18-year-old struggled to make an impact as the Green Archers fell, 80-76, in their first meeting with UP since last year’s UAAP Finals on Sunday.
Entering with 2:25 remaining in the opening quarter, Tovera drew cheers from the crowd when he converted a side-step layup roughly a minute later. He finished with three points on one-of-seven shooting in 16 minutes and six seconds, alongside three rebounds, one assist, two steals, and a block.
After the game, Tovera admitted that the occasion got the better of him but vowed to bounce back.
(C) UAAP Season 89 Media Team
“To be honest, I just got a lot rattled tonight,” he said.
“I’ll just do better next time and be better for the team.”
Tovera entered the matchup coming off a breakout performance against Ateneo de Manila University. There, he led La Salle with 15 points, four rebounds, and four assists in an 83-76 victory in the 100th meeting between the two schools.
Still, the rookie acknowledged that he had yet to fully grasp the magnitude of the La Salle-UP rivalry, even after experiencing the intensity of the UAAP’s biggest rivalry the previous Wednesday.
“No, not really,” he said when asked if facing Ateneo had made him more conscious of the significance of the La Salle-UP matchup.
“I learned from this game. I have to do what’s best for the team and be accountable.”
Tovera initially committed to UP in April and played in three games for the Fighting Maroons in the 2026 Filoil EcoOil Preseason Cup. But he decommitted in July before eventually choosing La Salle, citing his desire to stay close to his family.
Despite the loss and his personal struggles, Tovera described the experience of facing his former commitment as enjoyable.
“It was fun, but I didn’t do well,” he said.
Tovera now looks to review his performance and make the necessary adjustments ahead of La Salle’s next game.
“Just be better, watch film, and play the next game,” he said.
