By Jun Ray Navarres
Mike Phillips and the De La Salle University ended University of the East five-game winning streak , 77-68, in the UAAP Season 87 men’s basketball tournament on Saturday at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.
Motor Mike delivered 27 points and 17-rebound double-double alongside five assists, two blocks and one steal to pace the Green Archers to a four-win streak and lead the tournament with 7-1 standing.
“Ang naalala ko po sa last game even before ‘yung UP game, I just remember nasa dugout po kaming lahat and I could hear the roar of the UE crowd going ang ingay talaga sobrang supportive… Mahirap talaga ‘yun kalaban we knew we really need to come out strong,” shared Phillips.
But it wasn’t an easy night for the Green Archers.
As close as it could get, UE was actually ahead after 20 minutes of game time, 37-36. Thanks to Phillips’ 20-point first half, La Salle managed to stay close.
Kevin Quiambao, JC Macalalag, and Vhoris Marasigan took over for DLSU after the break, leading a 12-2 offensive to set-up a comfortable 63-54 advantage before the final quarter.
The gritty Red Warriors refused to raise the white flag, flanking the Green Archers and closing the gap to within five, 65-70 with little over three minutes left.
However, La Salle regrouped to extend the lead back to double digits, 77-67 and complete the retribution against the only team that defeated them in the first round.
“The players really fought well. They know the experience of losing to UE. We just rekindled that and reminded them that it will take a lot of effort to really beat this well-coached team. Credit to coach Jack. The guys just didn’t give up and kept on fighting,” said head coach Topex Robinson.
Quiambao and Macalalag finished with 10 points apiece while Marasigan ended with nine.
On the other hand, Precious Momowei continued to provide numbers for UE, making 21 points and nine rebounds despite dropping to 5-3 but still at solo third.
Images courtesy of UAAP Media Bureau
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