MANILA, Philippines — De La Salle escaped National University, 89-87, to begin its title defense in the UAAP Season 89 men's basketball tournament at the Smart Araneta Coliseum Sunday.
The Green Archers led by as many as 14 points in the first half but the Bulldogs battled back and got within one, 87-88, following a Reinhard Jumamoy layup in the last seven seconds.
Jacob Cortez missed his free throws but Mason Amos grabbed the board and went on to split his charities for only a 2-point La Salle lead, leaving the window open for NU to steal the game with 3.4 ticks left.
PJ Palacielo missed his triple on the other end, though, as La Salle escaped.
Joaquin Tovera made an electrifying rookie debut with 22 points on 8-of-14 shooting laced with three steals to lead the Green Archers.
