Defending champion La Salle got an immediate spark from rookie Joaquin Tovera, who delivered a breakout debut in the Green Archers’ 89-87 win over National University.
Tovera wasted no time introducing himself to the UAAP stage, scoring 22 points and adding three steals in just 14 minutes of action. The former Gilas Youth standout admitted he felt early nerves, but once he settled in, he gave La Salle the scoring punch it needed in a game that stayed close until the end.
His performance also came at the right time for the defending champions, especially with star guard Jacob Cortez held to a quiet outing. Cortez finished with nine points on 3-of-10 shooting, forcing La Salle to look elsewhere for offense.
That opening was all Tovera needed. With his confidence, pace, and defensive activity, the rookie showed why he could become a key piece in filling the gap left by Kean Baclaan. One game does not define a season, but this debut gave La Salle a strong early answer: the next man up may already be ready.
For the Green Archers, the win was not clean, but it was revealing. They survived a tough NU challenge, saw a rookie rise under pressure, and opened their title defense with a reminder that La Salle’s depth may still be one of its biggest weapons.
Image from UAAP Season 89 Media Team