By: Joaquin Cortez
Joaquin Tovera is quickly proving that age is no obstacle when it comes to shouldering responsibility, emerging as a reliable presence for De La Salle University even with Jacob Cortez sidelined for the second straight game.
The 18-year-old rookie delivered a stellar all-around performance of 21 points, seven rebounds, and six assists before an ankle injury forced him out late in overtime.
Still, his performance helped power the Green Archers past arch-rivals Ateneo de Manila University, 76-73, in their 101st meeting in the storied rivalry at the SMART Araneta Coliseum on Saturday.
The victory extended La Salle’s winning streak to three games and gave the Green Archers a 51-50 advantage in the all-time series. It was also only the fourth overtime encounter between the two schools in 101 meetings and the first since Ateneo’s 76-72 victory in Season 72 on August 9, 2009.
With Cortez unavailable for the second consecutive game, Tovera once again assumed a bigger role in orchestrating La Salle’s offense. Meanwhile, teammates Mason Amos and Jcee Macalalag also stepped up to help secure the hard-earned rivalry victory.
“They’re my brothers, and if I make a mistake, just jump on the next play. Like if I do bad, they’ll still be there,” said the Filipino-American guard.
Despite his growing contributions, Tovera remains focused on helping the team rather than pursuing individual recognition.
“I’m not trying to be the best player, but I’m trying to play best for my team,” he added.
(C) UAAP Season 89 Media Team
Interestingly, while the Green Archers were gearing up for one of the biggest games of their season, Tovera appeared to have something else on his mind.
Head coach Topex Robinson recalled spotting Tovera drawing on the coaching board inside their dugout before the highly-anticipated showdown.
“Are you taking away my job?” Robinson jokingly asked Tovera.
Upon taking a closer look, however, Robinson realized that the rookie was not drawing up plays for the rivalry clash. Instead, Tovera was sketching a vampire, whom the coach would later dub the team’s “energy vampire.”
“Do you know how important this game is again?” Robinson recalled asking Tovera, who simply responded that he loved to draw.
For Robinson, that carefree personality is something he hopes the young guard will preserve as he continues to grow in the collegiate ranks.
“Hopefully he stays young and doesn’t feel that pressured and just enjoys it,” Robinson said.
“We hope Joaquin stays that young guy that just enjoys basketball and doesn’t know the gratification of what he does,” he added.
Tovera’s night, however, ended prematurely with 38 seconds remaining in overtime after he sustained an ankle injury in a non-contact incident while attacking the basket. He did not return for the remainder of the contest.
The rookie downplayed the severity of the injury, though, saying his ankle was merely swollen and that he expected to need only a week to recover.
“My injury is not that bad, but I’ll be ready for the next one,” he said.
With the victory, La Salle remained unbeaten in the second round, improving to 6-4 and moving into solo third place in the standings despite Cortez’s continued absence.
