MANILA, Philippines—University of the Philippines may have faltered yet again to La Salle in the second round of the UAAP Season 87 men’s basketball tournament but they found silver lining in the form of Jacob Bayla.

Despite losing to the defending champions, 77-66, on Sunday, Bayla had arguably the best game of his rookie season and he did it while coming off the bench.

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“Me and coach Gold (Monteverde) talked yesterday and he just told me that I might not start this game but I told him I was ready,” said Bayla.

READ: UAAP: La Salle clinches top seed, beats UP again

“Whatever minutes he gave me, I just tried to make the most out of it and bring our team some energy.”

Bayla was efficient with a 60 percent shooting clip for 10 points that went with three rebounds in 20 minutes of action.

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The lanky forward, who played for Fil-Nation Select in the NBTC, was UP’s second leading scorer behind JD Cagulangan’s game-high 22 points in the defeat that dropped the Fighting Maroons’ record to 9-3.

“I know we didn’t get the win but this is a great learning experience that I can learn a lot from,” Bayla said.
“It was a great environment and I’m very happy that I stepped up. I give credit to my teammates and other coaches.”

Despite the loss, UP is already assured of a twice-to-beat advantage in the Final Four.