
Jacob Cortez drops 31 as La Salle downs UP in preseason
Jacob Cortez dropped 31 points to lead De La Salle University past University of the Philippines, 106-99, on Saturday at the Filoil Centre in San Juan.
The former San Beda star had 12-of-16 shooting from the field to go with five assists and four rebounds as the Green Archers somehow exacted revenge against their tormentors in last season's UAAP finals.
"I was looking forward to facing UP. We all know how good they are, so we just went out there and gave our best," said Cortez.
Kean Baclaan had 20 points, four rebounds, and two assists, whie Luis Pablo had 11 markers and six boards against his former team as the Taft-based squad improved to 2-0.
Francis Nnoruka, meanwhile, led the Fighting Maroons with 21 points, seven rebounds, and three steals, as it suffered its first setback after back-to-back wins.
In the other games, San Beda University defeated San Sebastian College-Recoletos, 67-54, while Emilio Aguinaldo College beat Lyceum of the Philippines University, 82-74. National University, meanwhile, won against University of the East, 72-67.
—JKC, GMA Integrated News
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