UAAP: Rookie Joaquin Tovera announces arrival as La Salle escapes NU in title defense opener

Rookie Joaquin Tovera made his name known to the UAAP as he led De La Salle University past National University, 89-87, in the UAAP Season 89 on Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Tovera had 22 points, three steals, and an assist to lead the Green Archers.

La Salle held a comfortable 73-64 lead by the end of the third period and extended its lead to 78-64 early in the fourth quarter before Paul Francisco ignited a 9-0 run for NU capped by a Reinhard Jumamoy jumper.

Seven Gagate, in his first game with La Salle, broke the short dry spell before Jumamoy and Francisco worked for NU as Earl Abadam made a triple and jumper in between to put La Salle in front, 85-77, with 5:07 left.

Tebol Garcia then made a personal 5-0 run, followed by a Mo Diassana jumper to cut the deficit, 85-84, with 2:40 left.

After a scoreless sequence for both teams, Doy Dungo delivered what would have been the dagger for the Taft-based squad.

Diassana had a split off a Luis Pablo foul, then Jumamoy further cut NU’s deficit with seven ticks left.

Jacob Cortez then was brought to the line off a Macmac Alfanta foul but missed both free throws, while Amos had a split off a Paul Francisco foul which eventually sealed the victory as PJ Palacielo missed his final attempt from the corner.

Aside from Tovera, Pablo had 16 points, seven boards, and two blocks, while Dungo added 12 points.

Tebol Garcia and Kenshin Padrones both had 14 points for NU, while Diassana had 12 points and 12 boards, as PJ Palacielo added 10 points.

—JKC, GMA News