Archers survive Alarcon, Maroons to zoom in on UAAP title

Jacob Cortez of La Salle is being guarded by UP’s Rey Remogat.

UAAP Media Bureau

MANILA, Philippines — First blood.

The La Salle Green Archers weathered the career game of Harold Alarcon to take Game 1 of the UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball Finals over the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons, 74-70, Wednesday at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Alarcon bested his previous career high of 33 points with 34 markers, but it was not enough to take down Jacob Cortez and the rest of the Green Archers in a classic in front of 18,210 fans.

Cortez shone bright with 21 points, four rebounds and two assists. But his biggest play came when the lights were the brightest.

With neither side getting significant edge, La Salle led by just one, 71-70, with 48.5 seconds left after a transition layup by Alarcon.

The Green Archers then subbed in Cortez, who was taken out at the 5:04 mark of the fourth quarter.

Cortez, fresh off the bench, danced with Reyland Torres. And as he received a screen, he stepped back from deep and swished the 3-pointer to give the Archers a 74-70 lead.

On the other end, Gerry Abadiano committed a costly turnover that brought the ball back to the Green Archers.

Down the stretch, missed free throws by the Green Archers opened windows of opportunity for the Maroons, but the latter could not creep closer as Alarcon and Fortea missed triples.

Cortez Doy Dungo backstopped with 15 points off the bench for the winning team. Kean Baclaan added nine points, while Mike Phillips Vhoris Marasigan and fourth-quarter hero Luis Pablo had seven apiece.

Francis Nnoruka was the only other Fighting Maroon in double figures with 13 markers and six boards.

La Salle can wrap the series up in Game 2 on Sunday, 4 p.m., at the same venue.