Pasay city: De La Salle University survived University of the East, 111-110, in overtime Wednesday in the UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball tournament at the SM Mall of Asia Arena. Jacob Cortez had 26 points, five assists, four steals, and two rebounds as the Green Archers bounced back from a two-game skid to improve at 3-3 for fifth place.

According to Philippines News Agency, Earl Abadam chipped in 18 points while skipper Mike Phillips also had 18 points to go along with 11 rebounds for La Salle, which trailed by 21 points in the third quarter. Behind 98-104 in the extra period, the Green Archers rallied behind Cortez and Abadam to grab the lead at 110-107, with 23.3 seconds remaining.

“When I saw Kean (Baclaan) getting stretchered off the court, it motivated us to step up. Not only did I step up, everyone did today. We all started wrong, but it’s all about how you end,” Cortez said. UE’s Welo Lingolingo accidentally landed on Baclaan’s left leg when they collided during a loose ball scramble. Baclaan, who had 17 points, four assists, and three rebounds, left the game with 4:20 remaining in regulation.

Lingolingo was later ejected for an unsportsmanlike foul (category 2), having already incurred a technical earlier for faking a foul. Cortez scored 10 straight points to put La Salle ahead, 98-93, before Precious Momowei and CJ Abate scored back-to-back baskets to force overtime. “It feels good to win, but honestly, I’m just praying for Kean right now. Everyone gathered together and said we had to win it for Kean,” said Phillips.

Momowei scored a career-high 42 points on top of 13 rebounds, three assists, one steal, and one block for the Red Warriors, who absorbed their sixth consecutive loss. Abate added 25 points, six rebounds, and six assists, while Lingolingo had 24 points, six rebounds, and two assists.