Joaquin Tovera’s 22-point debut powers La Salle past NU

PHOTO CREDITS: UAAP Season 89 Media Team

Joaquin Tovera made a sensational UAAP debut scoring 22 points as defending champion De La Salle University survived National University, 89-87, in the UAAP Season 89 Men’s Basketball Tournament on Sunday, September 13 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The 18-year old Batang Gilas guard delivered his biggest contribution in the third quarter, when La Salle held a 64-60 advantage and NU remained within striking distance. Taking charge from that point on, he poured in nine straight points as La Salle mounted a 14-4 run to seize a 78-64 lead early in the fourth.

NU refused to go quietly, with Paul Francisco helping ignite a 9-0 surge that brought the Bulldogs within five. Jumamoy then trimmed the gap to 88-87 on a layup with seven seconds left, but the comeback stopped there.

Tovera finished 8-of-14 from the field and added three steals and one assist, giving La Salle a major offensive lift in his first collegiate game.

Luis Pablo came up with 16 points and 7 rebounds, while Doy Dungo added 12 markers for the Green Archers.

Tebol Garcia and Kenshin Padrones led NU, who scored 14 points apiece. Jumamoy finished with 13 points, while Mo Diassana recorded 12 points and 12 rebounds.

La Salle starts its title defense with a 1-0 mark, while NU falls to 0-1 after the hard-fought opener. The Green Archers next meet UST on September 16 at MOA Arena, with the Bulldogs set to face UE on September 19 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The Scores:

DLSU 89 – Tovera 22, Pablo 16, Dungo 12, J. Cortez 9, Abadam 9, Amos 6, Kulang 4, Macalalag 3, Kulang 2, M. Cortez 2, Gagate 2, Marasigan 2, Sardon 0.

NU 87 – Garcia 14, Padrones 14, Diasanna 12, Palacielo 10, Jumamoy 9, Reyes 8, Francisco 8, Laconsay 5, Alfanta 5, Cartel 2, Figueroa 0, Solomon 0.

Quarterscores: 31-24, 52-45, 73-64, 89-87.