La Salle’s Mark Nonoy. UAAP PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines–Mark Nonoy scored five points in succession including a triple while Justin Baltazar made two free throws in the final seconds and La Salle averted a massive upset with a 85-82 win over University of the East in overtime late Thursday in the UAAP Season 84 men’s basketball at Mall of Asia Arena.
The Archers played catch-up all night long against the Warriors who were playing with nothing to lose. But at crunchtime, it was La Salle’s confidence that prevailed with Nonoy hitting a jumper and a triple in the last 23 seconds of overtime for an 83-78 lead.
UE, which led by as much as 15 (25-10) in the first quarter, managed to string up four quick points in the last 12.5 seconds before Baltazar put the game beyond doubt with two charities.
“We really had to dig deep to get this win. I think UE really played well,” said La Salle coach Derick Pumaren. “Fortunately, we were able to regroup and get the win.”
La Salle upped its record to 7-3 and strengthened its hold of the third place in the standings. UE fell to its 10 defeat in as many outings.