La Salle survives, deals big blow to FEU’s Final Four bid
La Salle’s Mike Phillips dunks against FEU in UAAP Season 87.–UAAP PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines–La Salle avoided an upset against Far Eastern University, 58-53, to solidify its position on top of the UAAP Season 87 men’s basketball tournament on Wednesday at Mall of Asia Arena.
“Well, we just have to give it to FEU. Sean [Chambers] is really doing a great job there, doing what he has with a young team. We just try to grind it out with them. We know it’s going to be a fast-paced game so we just try to keep it simple in our end,” coach Topex Robinson said.
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“We tried to make it a boring game by not outrunning them because it’s going to be a disaster for us if we did. We just stepped up in those last few minutes of the fourth quarter. We did what we’re supposed to do and that’s to limit their scorers,” Robinson added.
READ: UAAP: Kevin Quiambao not satisfied despite new career-high
La Salle coach Topex Robinson, Mike Phillips, and Doi Dungo after surviving the gritty FEU. #UAAPSeason87 @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/O2dnWFMDBL
— Lance Agcaoili (@LanceAgcaoilINQ) November 6, 2024
Mike Phillips returned to form with 17 points, 15 rebounds and five steals to lift the Green Archers, who trailed by as many as 12 points before responding with a 24-2 run to take control.
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“That was one of the most fun games I’ve had. When a lot of things are going wrong in my life, these are the type of moments that I really look forward to,” Phillips said.
“I love when coach calls a timeout just to give us a breather and the trust he has for us–this is what the UAP is all about, going against teams like FEU. The standings, the record does not depict what FEU is,” he added.
Reigning MVP Kevin Quiambao had a bad shooting day missing 15 of his 17 attempts from the field to finish with eight points and 13 rebounds for La Salle.
The Archers, who are already assured of a twice-to-beat incentive in the Final Four, looked rusty after an 11-day break but still surged to their eighth straight win that hiked their record to 11-1.
READ: UAAP: Kevin Quiambao resets career-high in La Salle rout of Ateneo
With Quiambao struggling, Phillips took charge for La Salle, scoring six of the Archers’ last 10 points to help fend off the Tamaraws.
The loss was a big blow to FEU’s bid to make the Final Four. Mo Konateh paced the Tamaraws, who slid to 4-8, with 14 points and 27 rebounds.
VJ Pre added 12 points and five rebounds while Royce Alforque and Janrey Pasaol each contributed 11 points for FEU, which was coming off a stunning win over No. 3 University of the East three days ago.
La Salle battles No. 2 University of the Philippines next on Sunday with the Green Archers going for a sweep against the Fighting Maroons at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
FEU looks to keep its slim Final Four hopes alive against Ateneo on Saturday.
