Mike Phillips-led comeback not enough as La Salle bows to Korea University in WUBS finals
The Green Archers erased a 27-point deficit by unleashing a strong second half outing before losing steam in the endgame as they were dethroned by the Koreans.
Korea University, meanwhile, completed its redemption bid against the same team that toppled them in last year's edition, where the Green Archers swept the entire tournament to reign supreme.
?La Salle once stared at a 27-point hole when Junhwi Seok sank a layup that sent the Koreans to a 55-28 lead in the second quarter, before they ended the first half enjoying a 57-35 cushion.
The Taft crew, though, managed to keep up with Korea University after Jacob Cortez opened the fourth period with a 5-0 personal run while Phillips converted back-to-back baskets to further trim the gap to just 14, 63-77, halfway through the frame.
Kean Baclaan then completed a three-point play before Phillips cleaned up his own miss, 72-88. The graduating big man split his free throws before unloading a two-handed slam off his own steal to make it a 79-91 deficit in the final 1:12.
But Korea University displayed resilience to close out the game even after a last-gasp triple from Cortez.
Phillips posted 30 points in the losing effort while backcourt gunners Baclaan and Cortez chipped in 18 and 13 markers apiece.
—Bea Micaller/JMB, GMA Integrated News
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
GMA Network
a day ago
- GMA Network
Tim Cone praises Kevin Quiambao in FIBA Asia Cup: 'Nothing is too big for him'
The future looks bright for Gilas Pilipinas, with Kevin Quiambao leading a new generation unafraid of the spotlight. The 24-year-old, do-it-all forward is proving that he belongs on the big stage, giving the national team a much-needed shot in the arm in its ongoing campaign at the 2025 FIBA Asia Cup. And no one recognizes his impact more than Gilas Pilipinas head coach Tim Cone. "Kevin is not afraid of the moment. I think that's the best way to describe Kevin," Cone said of his young gun. "Nothing is too big for him and he'll play the same way whether he's playing here in the Asia Cup or if he's playing in a barangay league. He's gonna bring it all the time and he's not gonna be afraid to step up and take the big shot when it's presented to him." The former two-time UAAP MVP out of De La Salle University has been big for Gilas Pilipinas. He fueled a second-half surge during Gilas Pilipinas' opening game against Chinese Taipei, tallying 17 points, four rebounds, and two assists as the Filipinos fell short and absorbed a 95-87 loss. He had limited minutes against New Zealand and Iraq, but seized the moment when trusted to play almost the entire game in their do-or-die duel against host Saudi Arabia on Tuesday. Against the Saudis, the young forward posted 17 markers, including two triples in the overtime, while also grabbing three assists, three steals, and one rebound to help steer Gilas to a 95-88 OT escape and book their spot in the quarterfinals. To Cone, these are undeniable proof that Quiambao is growing into a cornerstone of their program. "That's what makes him special. You know, we're still learning a lot about Kevin because he is the young gun on the team. I think he's the youngest player," Cone added. "He's battling for his position, he's battling for his minutes and he just keeps wowing us. He's becoming a vital cog." Gilas Pilipinas will face Australia in the quarterfinals on Wednesday at 7:00 p.m. —JKC, GMA Integrated News
GMA Network
3 days ago
- GMA Network
Mike Phillips-led comeback not enough as La Salle bows to Korea University in WUBS finals
Mike Phillips spearheaded a huge fourth-quarter rally for De La Salle University, but Korea University held them off to eke out a 95-85 win in the World University Basketball Series (WUBS) finals on Monday in Japan. The Green Archers erased a 27-point deficit by unleashing a strong second half outing before losing steam in the endgame as they were dethroned by the Koreans. Korea University, meanwhile, completed its redemption bid against the same team that toppled them in last year's edition, where the Green Archers swept the entire tournament to reign supreme. ?La Salle once stared at a 27-point hole when Junhwi Seok sank a layup that sent the Koreans to a 55-28 lead in the second quarter, before they ended the first half enjoying a 57-35 cushion. The Taft crew, though, managed to keep up with Korea University after Jacob Cortez opened the fourth period with a 5-0 personal run while Phillips converted back-to-back baskets to further trim the gap to just 14, 63-77, halfway through the frame. Kean Baclaan then completed a three-point play before Phillips cleaned up his own miss, 72-88. The graduating big man split his free throws before unloading a two-handed slam off his own steal to make it a 79-91 deficit in the final 1:12. But Korea University displayed resilience to close out the game even after a last-gasp triple from Cortez. Phillips posted 30 points in the losing effort while backcourt gunners Baclaan and Cortez chipped in 18 and 13 markers apiece. —Bea Micaller/JMB, GMA Integrated News
GMA Network
26-07-2025
- GMA Network
From college teammates to foes in the pros, Jeron Teng and Almond Vosotros are both just proud of each other
From shared beginnings at De La Salle University, Jeron Teng and Almond Vosotros have carved their own respective paths as professionals in the sport of basketball. Both part of the 2013 championship team of the green-and-white squad in the UAAP, it was Vosotros who first turned pro in 2015 while Teng followed suit two years after. But while Teng has had a relatively stable career, playing for Alaska and Converge before eventually landing in San Miguel in 2023, Vosotoros brought his talents to different clubs and different leagues before he found his nice in the 3x3 competitions, particularly with TNT. And when TNT needed some backcourt help for its PBA squad, they turned to the 3x3 specialist Vosotros and he's made the most of the opportunity. Despite their different journeys, the two former teammates found themselves sharing the court once again in the PBA Philippine Cup finals of the league's 48th season, this time as opponents vying for the championship. In the end, it was Teng who emerged victorious for the second title of his career. "I'm super happy because this time it's the All-Filipino. Last time, my first championship was with an import so it's more meaningful na All-Filipino," Teng told GMA News Online. During the finals, he had his moments in helping San Miguel get past TNT and even scored 10 points in Game 2 of the series. "My goal is [that] each conference, I try to improve and I try to help the team more and more so I'm staying patient and at the same time I'm also learning and improving," he added. Vosotros, meanwhile, has been a valuable spark off the bench for TNT. He had actually parted ways with the squad back in April but the Tropang 5G called him up for another tour of duty. And he just proved they made the right decision. In the finals, Vosotros had averages of 10.25 points per game. "Sobrang thankful ako kay Coach Chot [Reyes] kasi honestly since na-draft ako ng 2015, ngayon lang ako nabigyan ng consistent minutes, tapos sa finals pa," Vosotros told reporters. [I'm so thankful to Coach Chot because honestly since I was drafted in 2015, this was the first time I received consistent minute, and it's in the finals no less.] His old teammate had nothing but good words for Vosotros. "I'm just so proud of Almond, he played well the whole series," Teng said. "He was my teammate in college and 'di ako nagugulat sa anong kaya niya dahil he has shown that to me since we were in college. He's a hooper." [He was my teammate in college and I'm not surprised by what he can do because he has shown that to me since we were in college. He's a hooper.] Vosotros, meanwhile, was also proud of his fellow Green Archer. "Lumapit siya sa'kin kasi sabi niya 'Congrats bro ang galing mo.' Sabi ko 'No, congrats sa'yo kasi kayo nanalo ang champion. I'm so proud of you.'" [He came to me and he said 'Congrats bro, you played so well.' I said 'No, congrats to you because you won, you are the champion. I'm so proud of you.'] —JMB, GMA Integrated News
