Joaquin Tovera made a statement in his UAAP debut, but it took a wild final possession for De La Salle to survive National University, 89-87, and open its title defense on a winning note.

The Green Archers needed every bit of late magic on Sunday, Sept. 13, at Smart Araneta Coliseum. They fended off a furious Bulldogs rally that nearly erased a 14-point deficit in the fourth quarter.

Tovera Shines in Historic UAAP Debut

The 18-year-old rookie out of Chino Hills High School in the U.S. looked right at home in his first taste of Philippine collegiate ball. He poured in 22 points on 8-of-14 shooting, unfazed by the bright lights of Araneta.

His breakout game set the tone for La Salle, which built an early cushion before NU stormed back. The rookie’s efficiency and composure made him an instant standout in a contest that came down to the wire.

Luis Pablo backed him up with a strong all-around effort, finishing with 16 points, seven rebounds and two blocks. Doy Dungo added 12 points, including a crucial triple that proved decisive late.

Bulldogs Push La Salle to the Brink

National University refused to fade quietly, mounting a stunning 20-7 run that trimmed its deficit to one point, 84-85, with 2:44 remaining. The Bulldogs’ defense tightened as every possession turned into a dogfight.

Dungo’s booming three-pointer with 49.5 seconds left gave La Salle an 88-84 cushion, but NU answered right back. A split free throw from Mo Diassana and a fearless drive by Reinhard Jumamoy sliced the lead to one with 6.3 seconds left.

The Green Archers then survived a nerve-wracking final sequence. Jacob Cortez missed both free throws after being fouled, but Mason Amos ripped down a huge offensive rebound over PJ Palacielo to keep the possession alive.

Amos made just one of his two free throws to set the final margin. Palacielo’s open corner three at the buzzer missed well short, sealing the win for the defending champions.

Tebol Garcia and Kenshin Padrones led NU with 14 points apiece, while Diassana added 12 points and 12 rebounds in his first game back after a two-year absence. Palacielo and Jumamoy also finished with near double-doubles despite the tough finish.

La Salle returns to action Wednesday against the University of Santo Tomas at SM Mall of Asia Arena, its final game before Pablo and Dungo depart for the 2026 Asian Games in Nagoya, Japan. NU looks to bounce back Saturday against the University of the East.