Ateneo de Manila University weathered a furious De La Salle fightback to prevail, 81-74, in their
UAAP Season 88 rivalry showdown on Saturday at the Mall of Asia Arena.
The Blue Eagles seized control early, bursting to a 7-0 run before a Mike Philipps hook shot
finally put the Green Archers on the board. La Salle’s offense sputtered through the opening
quarter, and Ateneo led 14-11 after ten minutes.
Free-throw woes continued to haunt the Archers in the second period as Ateneo’s transition
game and crisp passing stretched the margin to 36-19 at the half. Philips tried to steady La Salle
with put-backs and hustle plays, but missed chances at the stripe kept the deficit wide.
The third frame saw Philips ignite the crowd with a powerful put-back dunk, though Ateneo
maintained its rhythm on both ends. Searching for a spark, Coach Topex Robinson fielded
rookies Gian Gomez and Gullian Quines to inject energy, and Doy Dungo drilled a
buzzer-beating three that trimmed the gap to 56-36, keeping Lasallian hopes alive.
La Salle’s trademark grit came alive in the final quarter. Fueled by Philips’ pesky defense and
Kean Baclaan’s well-timed three pointers, the Archers unleashed an 8-0 spurt, then another
10-0 run that slashed the deficit to 68-56. The crowd roared as momentum briefly swung green.
Yet Ateneo’s veterans refused to flinch, calmly sinking timely jumpers to stem the surge and
hold on down the stretch. The Blue Eagles’ composure at the line sealed the 81-74 decision.
Philipps stood out once again, posting 16 points and 12 rebounds while leading La Salle’s
defensive resistance and second-half push. His relentless effort embodied the Archers’
never-say-die spirit even as time ran out.
The win gave Ateneo a 4-0 start to its title dreams, while La Salle slipped to 2-2 despite Philips’
tireless performance in one of the UAAP’s fiercest rivalries.
