UAAP Season 88 has been a rollercoaster of games and stakes all rolled into one of the most competitive seasons in recent memory. Emotions were all over the place and the pressure was at an all-time high. And perhaps none more than what Jacob Cortez had felt in the last few games. 

Cortez is the son of former DLSU Green Archer Mike Cortez, so the UAAP and everything that comes with playing for LaSalle are nothing new for him. The younger Cortez already forged his own path, having won a championship with the San Beda Red Lions before making the move back to DLSU. There were signs that Cortez had no problems making the transition as he made his mark immediately with the Green Archers in the preseason. 

But the UAAP is a different ballgame, not just because foreign student athletes are still allowed, but because it is still the hottest game in town competition-wise. Early on, it was obvious Cortez belonged, as he was a dependable playmaker for LaSalle early on. 

However, the UAAP is a league that adjusts and learns over time, and DLSU’s opponents were able to find some areas to exploit and with it came the losses. Cortez had atrocious shooting nights in losses to the FEU Tamaraws and Adamson Soaring Falcons. The Green Archers needed him then and needed him once more against the UP Fighting Maroons, but he thankfully made timely baskets to give LaSalle some momentum heading into their season finale against the Ateneo Blue Eagles. 

In the past, these are the games where DLSU tends to fold. The pressure becomes too high for the Green Archers and their archrivals seem to have the game sliders on whenever they face LaSalle. Things can be close, but getting over the hump tends to be easier said than done. And yet circumstances like this are where Cortez thrives. 

After going 7-for-35 in his last three games, Cortez converted on seven of his 10 field goal attempts in the second half (after going 2-for-2 in the first two quarters). He was cool, calm, and collected, patiently attacking the defense and finding his teammates for open baskets. Anytime the Blue Eagles threatened to pull away and go on one of those vaunted runs, Cortez simply responded and found ways to silence the Ateneo side of Smart-Araneta Coliseum. The Blue Eagles threw double teams and even pressured him the moment he crossed half court, but none of it mattered as Cortez was on a different level in the clutch. 

Cortez’ hands were all over the final possessions as he got the crucial steal and sank the dagger that broke the hearts of Ateneo and the Tamaraws, who were looking to barge into the Final Four themselves. 

It was clear that Cortez was in his element and the swagger we saw flashes of in previous games was on full display. DLSU should be happy with how Cortez has found his touch just before the Final Four, because the top seed NU Bulldogs await them. The Bulldogs swept the season series against the Green Archers and Cortez has had decent games against them. Then again the Final Four is another ballgame altogether and NU has had the luxury of time to prepare against a weary but undeterred LaSalle squad. 

But as we’ve seen, it’s hard to count out Jacob Cortez and the DLSU Green Archers in UAAP Season 88, especially when their backs are against the wall. The lights will shine brightest and the twice-to-win disadvantage will be daunting for LaSalle. Count on Cortez, though, to be prepared, so long as you remind him that the fourth quarter is his.