Amos Hits Clutch Three as La Salle Snatches First Win Over UST

Mason Amos took control for UAAP La Salle, sinking a game-winning three-pointer to lift the Green Archers past University of Santo Tomas, 79-78, in their opening victory of the 19th Filoil EcoOil Preseason Cup on Wednesday in San Juan.

With La Salle trailing 78-76 in the final 18.1 seconds, Jacob Cortez spotted Amos open in the corner. The forward calmly drained the deep triple with just 5.6 seconds remaining.

“Jacob felt Mason was the best option to take,” said La Salle assistant coach Gian Nazario.

Amos, who finished with 13 points and five rebounds, reflected on the moment: “It’s just repetitions really. I live by the saying—you miss 100 percent of the shots you don’t take. Even if you miss once, you keep shooting.”

UST had one final chance, but Collins Akowe missed a tough shot as time expired. Cortez contributed 13 points and six assists, while Doy Dungo added 10 points off the bench to help La Salle secure its first win of the tournament.

For UST, Akowe recorded 16 points and 13 rebounds, and Mark Llemit also scored 16 points in the loss, dropping the Growling Tigers to 0-2.

In other NCAA Preseason Cup action, Jose Rizal University took control early in their bracket with a 66-54 win over winless Perpetual. Lawrence Mangubat scored 11 straight points to turn a close 53-51 game into a 64-51 advantage with 5:12 left. He finished with 21 points, four rebounds, and four assists as JRU improved to 2-0.

“Having someone to rely on makes a difference,” said coach Nani Epondulan. “Good thing Lawrence stepped up, and we got the win.” Fellow transferee Chris Hubilla added 12 points and eight rebounds, while Sean Salvador contributed 10 points, three steals, and two assists. Perpetual’s rookie Damme De Guzman led his team with eight points, dropping the Altas to 0-2.

In another thriller, Letran edged St. Benilde, 75-71, in overtime. Titing Manalili scored five of his 14 points in the extra period, adding three assists, two rebounds, and two steals. Chad Gammad contributed five of his 10 points in overtime, alongside two rebounds and two steals. Their efforts complemented Jimboy Estrada, who finished with 21 points and five rebounds, giving the Knights their first win in two games.

Coach Allen Ricardo downplayed the early matchup: “Benilde is only at 20 percent right now. We have inconsistencies too, and we’re working on handling those situations before the season starts.” Allen Liwag led the Blazers with 13 points and six rebounds, while Justine Sanchez and Matthew Jucom added 12 and 10 points, respectively.

Lyceum of the Philippines University also got on the board with an 82-75 overtime victory over Arellano. “It always feels good to win,” said coach Jamike Jarin, whose Pirates bounced back after an opening-day loss. “But we still have a lot to work on.” Renz Villegas led LPU with 22 points, four rebounds, and three assists, while Matthew Rubico narrowly missed a triple-double with 14 points, nine assists, and seven rebounds. Arellano’s promising rookie John Ray Ladica posted 15 points, and Basti Valencia added 16 off the bench in the team’s second consecutive overtime loss.