As it stands, the best players in the UAAP Finals have so far been named Jacob. Game 1 belonged to Jacob Cortez, whose big shots broke the hearts of the UP Fighting Maroons. Meanwhile, another Jacob took the spotlight in Game 2. 

With their backs against the wall, the Fighting Maroons remained steadfast in putting Jacob Bayla on Cortez. It wasn’t easy to contain the former San Beda Red Lion, who weaved his way through the defense with ease. Bayla had his struggles in Game 1 as the DLSU Green Archers’ gameplan of getting Cortez into his offensive rhythm worked well. Things needed to change, or rather, UP had to shut down Cortez from the get-go. 

Cortez could only see the number eight in front of Bayla’s jersey for much of Game 2, and when Cortez would finally get the ball, not a lot of time was left on the shot clock. LaSalle’s offense lived off second chances and those moments when Cortez would break free. But overall, it was much more of a struggle. And with Bayla hounding him in the game’s final moments, Cortez could only watch as DLSU missed out on their 11th UAAP championship by mere inches.

Bayla’s numbers won’t jump out of the stat sheet, so the points that come from him are a very welcome bonus, especially when his teammates are struggling with their offense. However, his intangibles have been his greatest contributions through two seasons with the Fighting Maroons. He’s athletic enough to guard perimeter players and can stay with some big men in the post should the need arise. It’s not often you’ll see Bayla give up on a play and in Game 2, everyone saw how he forced jumpballs and prevented the Green Archers from truly building on their extra possessions. 

In fact, Bayla is no stranger to taking on the best player of the opposing team, as he did a solid job against two-time UAAP MVP Kevin Quiambao in last season’s finals and continued with that assignment in Season 88. 

That being said, the final game of UAAP Season 88 will be decided by a Jacob. As to who it will be remains up in the air, as both Jacob Bayla and Jacob Cortez will figure heavily into what should be a slugfest of a Game 3. 

Gerry Abadiano’s heroics and Harold Alarcon potentially breaking out of his slump loom large for the DLSU Green Archers heading into this matchup. But in reality, their concerns will largely be focused on whether or not LaSalle can get Cortez out of his slump. Because as it stands, Bayla has him clamped up when DLSU needs him the most and that has been the difference in this series.