UAAP: La Salle ekes out OT win over Ateneo, claims solo third

De La Salle University eked out a 76-73 overtime victory over Ateneo de Manila University in the UAAP Season 89 men’s basketball tournament on Saturday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

With the win, the Green Archers improved to 6-4 and claimed sole possession of third place in the standings. Ateneo, meanwhile, dropped to 5-5.

La Salle held its biggest lead of the game at 49-41 past the halfway mark of the third quarter before Ateneo responded with a 7-2 run to close the period and cut the deficit to 51-48.

The two teams then traded baskets in the fourth quarter before Jared Bahay's jumper and split gave the Blue Eagles a 66-64 lead. However, Henry Agunanne's dunk tied the game at 66-all and forced overtime after Kieffer Alas missed his attempt at the other end.

In overtime, the Taft-based squad opened with a 6-0 run to take a 72-66 lead before Travis Roberts completed a three-point play to cut the deficit. Mason Amos then drilled a three-pointer to give La Salle some breathing room in the closing moments.

Alas responded with back-to-back baskets to pull Ateneo within two, but Agunanne's split virtually sealed the victory as Vhoris Marasigan and Doy Dungo both failed to convert their trips to the free-throw line.

Joaquin Tovera led La Salle with 21 points, seven rebounds, and six assists before leaving the game with an apparent ankle injury during overtime.

JC Macalalag chipped in 11 points in the victory.

The Green Archers spoiled the 18-point performances of Jared Bahay and Kieffer Alas, with Bahay also grabbing nine rebounds.

—JKC, GMA News