Inquirer
‘Punched in the mouth,’ Mike Phillips vows fightback by Archers
De La Salle Green Archers forward Mike Phillips expressed his team's disappointment after a 30-point loss to the UP Fighting Maroons in Game 1 of the UAAP Season 86 men's basketball Finals.
Phillips acknowledged they were outplayed and out-physicaled, stating they were "punched in the mouth" but vowed the team "can't let this break us."
Despite the significant defeat, which marked the widest margin of victory in a championship game in the Final Four era, Phillips called for team unity and a fightback.
He highlighted that La Salle's previous nine-game winning streak started after a loss, suggesting they can use this experience as motivation to bounce back.
Coach Topex Robinson urged the team to move on from the loss, emphasizing they know what championship basketball entails and need to prepare for Game 2.
Phillips stressed his strong desire to overcome the "bitter taste" of the defeat, especially in a rivalry game against UP.
La Salle faces a must-win situation in Game 2 on Sunday to force a knockout duel for the championship.
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The De La Salle Green Archers dominated the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons, 82-60, in Game 2 of the UAAP Season 86 men's basketball finals, forcing a do-or-die Game 3.
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The University of the Philippines (UP) Fighting Maroons defeated the De La Salle University (DLSU) Green Archers, 97-67, in Game 1 of the UAAP Season 86 men's basketball finals.
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La Salle head coach Topex Robinson acknowledged the painful reality of their 97-67 Game 1 loss to UP in the UAAP Season 86 finals, emphasizing that winning a championship is never an easy path.
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The De La Salle Green Archers suffered a lopsided 97-67 defeat against the University of the Philippines in Game 1 of the UAAP Season 86 Finals.
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The De La Salle University Green Archers defeated the National University Bulldogs 97-73 in the UAAP Season 86 Final Four, securing their first finals appearance since 2017.
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