UAAP: La Salle vents ire on UE, spoils Toper Lagat's 30

Eager to get back on the win column, defending champions De La Salle University trampled on University of the East, 112-87, Sunday at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City.

Forward Mason Amos spearheaded the Green Archers as they went to an even 2-2 record in the standings, finishing with 19 points, five rebounds, four assists, and two blocks.

Five other DLSU players notched 10 or more points, with brothers Jacob and Mikey Cortez just pacing behind Amos with 15 and 11 markers.

After a back-and-forth opening minutes which saw both teams delivering on the offensive end, it was the Taft-based squad who pulled away, copping a 19-point lead heading into the intermission.

Holding a healthy cushion, La Salle refused to let up, building on their lead and finishing the game strong, 112-87.

"We came from back-to-back losses which are big losses for us. But I guess with us, it's really more of focusing on our own race, making sure that we're just going to focus on ourselves and trying to make sure that we get better as a group," La Salle head coach Topex Robinson said.

Sharpshooter Toper Lagat remained UE’s main offensive hub, eclipsing his previous season-high by scoring 30 points on an efficient 64.7% shooting clip from the field.

Mo Tanedo and Gene Carillo contributed 14 and 12 points each, with the former grabbing nine boards as the Red Warriors remained winless in five games.

Gaining momentum again after a turbulent start, La Salle faces its fiercest rivals Ateneo de Manila University (3-1) next on Wednesday.

Scores:

La Salle 112 – Amos 19, J. Cortez 15, M. Cortez 11, Agunanne 11, Dungo 10, Tovera 10, Pablo 8, Abadam 8, Gagate 6, Marasigan 4, Macalalag 4, Quines 3, Daep 2, Sharma 1, Sardon 0, Gomez 0.

UE 87 – Lagat 30, Tanedo 14, Carillo 12, Dungca 12, Vasquez 7, Robles 5, Cruz-Dumont 3, Edoukou 2, Santos 2, Sabroso 0, Jimenez 0.

Quarters: 31-19, 61-42, 89-65, 112-87.

—JKC, GMA News