Jacob Bayla once again proves his mettle on defense against the DLSU Green Archers.
During the UAAP Season 87 Men’s Basketball Finals, Jacob Bayla turned heads for his defensive work on two-time MVP Kevin Quiambao.
In Game 1 of that title series, State U made the adjustment of putting Bayla on Quiambao, with the then-rookie winger responding emphatically. Tasked to guard the two-time MVP, Bayla limited KQ to a solitary point in the second half, using his length and motor to disrupt the star forward’s shot selection.
A year later, a similar assignment would be placed upon Bayla, who was now given the role of slowing down Jacob Cortez in their Season 88 finals rematch.
Cortez had come off a sensational Game 1 for the Archers, punching in 21 points, including the step-back dagger triple that sealed DLSU’s 74-70 victory over State U. Right then and there, the Fighting Maroons knew they needed to make adjustments in order to slow Cortez down in Game 2.
“Well, we all know Jacob Cortez. He’s a talented young player. He loves, obviously, to break you down, especially from isolations. With Jacob [Bayla], similar to last season, during Game 1, he really helped us when he guarded the MVP of the league in [Kevin] Quiambao,” UP assistant Christian Luanzon said after State U’s thrilling 66-63 victory over DLSU in Game 2 of the Season 88 finals on Sunday, December 10.
“He made a difference in winning Game 1. So tonight, what led to us with that decision, we just wanted more length on [Cortez]. Bayla, he’s always up to the challenge pagdating sa mga ganyan eh; him and Coach Tom [Chua], it’s just nonstop communication.”
Cortez was limited to 16 points on 6-of-15 shooting by Bayla in Game 2, and it was the sophomore’s airtight defense that forced the Cool Cat’s desperate pass to Vhoris Marasigan in the dying seconds of regulation.
For Bayla, it’s a reflection of his growth as a defensive player, which has been honed through the guidance of enforcer Reyland Torres, and main man Harold Alarcon during practice.
“I just take it home in my skills and my defense; I always guard Reyland and Harold everyday; so you know? They always get me better in my defense,” Bayla told select reporters. “I didn’t really play defense back in high school, but just knowing that I can do that now is a really good blessing.”
Just as important in guarding Cortez, Bayla said, is the mental battle, knowing that a player of the Cool Cat’s caliber will always make shots.
“He’s gonna hit shots. But you just have to stay…you shouldn’t get too down when he hits shots because he’s going to make them. At the same time, you know? I should also have that fire just because our team needs it.”
“Just staying composed and staying ready whenever my name is called. You know? I didn’t start today but I needed to bring that fire and fuel for the team and for the UP community.”
At the same time, Bayla was eager to prove his mettle in the UP-DLSU rivalry, especially after he struggled in their elimination round meetings, and even Game 1 of the Season 88 finals last December 10.
And prove himself he did, especially when the Fighting Maroons’ back-to-back aspirations hung in the balance.
“I didn’t really get to my spots or get my defense down. So I just needed to prove myself that I could do it and nothing’s gonna stop me from guarding the best player.”
Now, Jacob Bayla and UP find themselves gearing up for another winner-takes-all match in the finals, which takes place this Wednesday, December 14, at the SMART Araneta Coliseum in Cubao.
More than stepping up again as UP’s defensive anchor, Bayla is taking it upon himself to give the “Maroon 5” core of captain Gerry Abadiano, Terrence Fortea, Janjan Felicilda, Alarcon, and Torres a fitting send-off in the UAAP.
“I just wanna do it for my kuyas, bro. They’re always with me everyday. You know? Blood, sweat, and tears the whole season, and I know it means so much to them and their families, so I just want to give them a good send-off.”
Images from Kieran Punay/KLIQ Inc.