The DLSU big man was filled with joy after the Green Archers engaged in a nip-and-tuck affair against FEU.
When given a choice, basketball players would usually want to take blowout wins any day of the week, rather than a grind out game where they go neck-and-neck with their opponents.
But for La Salle big man Mike Phillips, he’d rather be engaged in a highly competitive game.
Going up against the FEU Tamaraws in their first game after a lengthy hiatus, the Green Archers had just the challenge as they survived a scare, 58-53, at the Mall of Asia Arena on Wednesday afternoon.
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Stepping up for reigning MVP Kevin Quiambao, who struggled mightily from the field on a 2-of-17 shooting night, Phillips was brimming with happiness with the way things unfolded.
“I just want to give thanks to Jesus Christ [for this game] because these are the type of games that I really find so much joy in. That was one of the most fun games I've had.” said a grinning Phillips.
“When a lot of things are going wrong in my life, these are the type of moments that I really look forward to. I'm so grateful that God woke me up and gave me the opportunity to play.”
Clinching Player of the Game honors, Phillips enjoyed himself as FEU gave them a tough challenge — with the Tams even taking the lead heading into the fourth quarter.
FEU also pushed the lead to as big as five, 47-42, midway through the fourth quarter after a Mo Konateh basket, before La Salle was able to recover its bearings.
It was Phillips that led the cavalry to a comeback, scoring 11 of his 17 points in the final canto. His fourth quarter performance was punctuated by an and-one opportunity that pushed La Salle’s advantage to five, 56-51, with 24.1 ticks remaining.
But rather than priding himself on his own game, Phillips deflected his joy to his teammates.
“I just love seeing the smiles of my teammates. I love when coach calls a timeout just to give these guys, give us a breather and the trust he has for us.” said the La Salle big man.
“This is what the UAAP is all about, going against teams like FEU.” he added.
But Phillips wasn’t a one-man show in the La Salle win, as role players JC Macalalag and Doi Dungo stepped up with quality minutes in the hard-fought victory that helped La Salle improve to 11-1 and win their 8th straight game.
Macalalag finished with nine points on 4-of-5 shooting to go along with his two rebounds, and two assists. Dungo chipped in eight points, five rebounds, two assists, one steal and one block.
Dungo was also the one to hit the dagger layup to arrive at the final score with 20.6 seconds left.
For Phillips, it was a monster stat-line of 17 points, 15 boards, two assists, five steals, and two blocks.
With their anticipated finals rematch coming up next against the UP Fighting Maroons, La Salle and the Green Archers will hope to have their reigning MVP back and form as well as Phillips and the rest of their role players filling in the gaps.
La Salle clashes with UP for their next match on Sunday, November 10, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.