With the moves, the swagger and the courage, Jacob Cortez looked every bit like his father Mike from two decades ago.
His game-long brilliance lifted De La Salle University back to the UAAP Finals.
Cortez delivered timely hits and powered De La Salle University to the UAAP Finals with a 77-73 win over National University in their do-or-die semifinals clash in the Season 88 men’s basketball tournament at the Smart Araneta Coliseum Saturday, Dec. 6.
By overturning NU’s twice-to-beat edge, La Salle earned a Finals date with reigning champion University of the Philippines. The best-of-3 series starts Wednesday, Dec. 10, at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
The scores:
DLSU 78 – Cortez 29, Abadam 14, Marasigan 10, Phillips 8, Macalalag 8, Baclaan 4, Amos 3, Pablo 2, Gollena 0.
NU 73 – Figueroa 21, Manansala 13, Palacielo 13, John 6, Padrones 6, Jumamoy 5, Garcia 4, Parks 4, Enriquez 1, Santiago 0, Francisco 0, Tulabut 0.
Quarters: 14-20, 30-36, 53-54, 78-73.
