Cortez thriving as college basketball’s ‘Mr. Rivalry’
For years, two premier rivalries have dominated Philippine collegiate basketball.
In the NCAA, it’s San Beda vs. Letran. In the UAAP, La Salle vs. Ateneo.
Now, a new rivalry is emerging—La Salle vs. University of the Philippines—and Jacob Cortez has already left his mark on all three.
“Every basketball fan wants to experience this,” Cortez told the Inquirer after La Salle edged UP, 72-69, in the UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball tournament at Araneta Coliseum on Sunday.
“Growing up, I loved watching games like Lakers–Celtics. Now, I’m finally part of one. It feels good. I’m having fun and loving the game—and I think that’s what it’s all about.”
Cortez backed up his words with 12 points, six assists, five rebounds and two steals against the Fighting Maroons.
Though La Salle stumbled earlier against longtime rival Ateneo, losing 81-74, Cortez still logged 10 points, four rebounds, two assists and a steal in that duel.
But his knack for rising in rivalry games traces back to his NCAA days.
In his final San Beda–Letran game before transferring to the UAAP, Cortez powered the Red Lions to a 77-68 win in November 2023 with 16 points and three assists.
Not long after, the “Cool Cub” led San Beda to the NCAA crown.
Whether he can replicate that success in Taft isn’t top of mind. For Cortez, the focus is personal growth in what’s been a turbulent season for La Salle.
“That’s what I love about this game,” he said. “I learn more about myself every time. I’d say we’re good, but we know everyone’s going to bounce back, and we have to stay ready for that.”
“UE almost beat us. Any team can. So we just have to stay ready, control what we can control, and play.”
By the end of the first round of eliminations, Cortez and the Archers found themselves in a three-way tie for third with UP and Ateneo, all sporting identical 4-3 records.
Games today
The Maroons and the Eagles will get first cracks at moving above that fray. Ateneo takes on dangerous Far Eastern U at 2 p.m. at Mall of Asia Arena to kick off the second preliminary round, with UP squaring off against league leader National University immediately after.
The Archers kick off their second round on Saturday, also at Mall of Asia Arena, hoping to get payback against University of Santo Tomas in a match that follows the 1:30 p.m. duel between Adamson and University of the East.
In just three seasons, Cortez has become a central figure in some of college basketball’s most storied and evolving rivalries. And he’s thriving under some of the harshest collegiate basketball spotlights.
