La Salle, UP begin campaign in World University Basketball Series
At A Glance
- De La Salle eyes to open its title retention campaign in style while University of the Philippines seeks a strong debut when they face separate rivals on Saturday, Aug. 9, in the 2025 World University Basketball Series (WUBS) in Tokyo, Japan.
(Filoil EcoOil Sports)
De La Salle eyes to open its title retention campaign in style while University of the Philippines seeks a strong debut when they face separate rivals on Saturday, Aug. 9, in the 2025 World University Basketball Series (WUBS) in Tokyo, Japan.
The Green Archers, who seek a repeat performance of their perfet stint last edition, clash with Taipei’s National Chengchi University at 10:10 a.m. at the Yoyogi National Stadium, while the Fighting Maroons take on recent runner-up Korea University at 4:10 p.m.
Playing in his final year for the Taft-based squad, Mike Phillips is expected to lead the way along with Jacob Cortez, Mason Amos, and Keann Baclaan as La Salle guns for an appropriate run before UAAP Season 88 gets going in September.
Despite the departure of star player Kevin Quiambao to the pro ranks, the Green Archers remain favorites to reach the finals in this premier collegiate league.
Sharing the spotlight is the tournament's newest entrant, the UP Fighting Maroons, who are riding the momentum of their third straight FilOil EcoOil Preseason Cup title, earned at the expense of National University.
Harold Alarcon, Gerry Abadiano, Terrence Fortea, Rey Remogat, and company are determined to prove their worth, even with the loss of several key veterans.
The WUBS tournament will follow a single-round robin format, with each win crucial in moving teams closer to the finals. Eight teams from the region are competing, including two from the Philippines.