By MARK REY MONTEJO
Mike Phillips put up a masterful performance as De La Salle University University outlasted University of the East, 77-68, to take the solo top spot in the UAAP Season 87 men’s basketball tournament Saturday, Oct. 12, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Battling for the second time this season, Phillips was nothing but brilliant on both ends, leading the Green Archers’ 12-2 run that erected a 61-52 lead and never looked back from there despite John Abate and Precious Momowei’s efforts for the Red Warriors.
La Salle remained on top with a 7-1 card and halted the five-game winning streak of UE, which suffered its third loss for a 5-3 at third place.
The 6-foot-8 high-flying forward finished with a monstrous output of 27 points, 17 rebounds, five assists and two blocks while Kevin Quiambao and JC Macalalag also provided ample support of 10 points apiece.
Momowei chalked up 21 points and nine rebounds while Abate chipped in 11.
UE grabbed the momentum early in the first half with Gjerard Wilson leading its offensive rally but La Salle was able to stick within striking distance with Phillips doing it all for the Taft-based.
Abate and Wello Lingolingo kept UE’s hope alive after trimming the gap to just six, 63-57.
However, it was their final hurrah as Quiambao, Phillips, Joshua David and Vhoris Marasigan unleashed the finishing blows to seal the deal for La Salle.
Earlier, Jorick Baustista flashed his fiery form as Far Eastern University took down Adamson in overtime, 76-72, to return to the winning column.
Bautista looked like a man on a mission, hitting timely shots for the Tamaraws in the fourth quarter including his lone triple that forced an extension and eventually handed the Soaring Falcons their third consecutive loss.
FEU improved its record to 2-6 while Adamson absorbed its fifth defeat for a 3-5 win-loss card.
The 5-foot-11 guard topscored for FEU with 21 points with six rebounds, two assists and two steals while Mo Konateh had a monstrous effort of 26 rebounds on top of 13 points.
The scores:
First game
FEU (76) – Bautista 21, Konateh 13, Pre 10, Alforque 9, Pasaol 8, Montemayor 8, Daa 3, Anonuevo 3, Ona 1, Nakai 0, Jones 0.
Adamson (72) – Montebon 16, Fransman 11, Manzano 10, Calisay 10, Ojarikre 9, Yerro 4, Erolon 3, Mantua 3, Anabo 3, Alexander 3, Ramos 0, Barasi Jr. 0.
Quarterscores: 14-6, 25-29, 40-44, 58-58, 72-76 (OT)
Second game
La Salle (77) – Phillips 27, Quiambao 10, Macalalag 10, Marasigan 9, David 8, Abadam 6, Ramiro 3, Gollena 2, Gonzales 2, Austria 0, Agunnane 0, Dungo 0
UE (68) – Momowei 21, Abate 11, Maga 9, Wilson 8, Jack Cruz-Dumont 7, Galang 6, Lingolingo 2, Malaga III 2, Mulingtapang 0, Hunter Cruz-Dumont 0
Quarterscores: 14-14, 36-37, 63-54, 77-68
