At A Glance
- Reigning champion De La Salle University earned a crack at retaining its title after defeating Japan University Select Team, 88-75, to barge into the finals of the 2025 World University Basketball Series (WUBS) at the Yoyogi National Stadium in Tokyo, Japan Sunday, Aug. 10.
Kean Baclaan shows the way for De La Salle.
Reigning champion De La Salle University earned a crack at retaining its title after defeating Japan University Select Team, 88-75, to barge into the finals of the 2025 World University Basketball Series (WUBS) at the Yoyogi National Stadium in Tokyo, Japan Sunday, Aug. 10.
Fresh from his crucial late-game block that led to DLSU’s 89-84 escape on Chinese Taipei’s National Chengchi University, Mike Phillips steered anew the Taft-based squad as he produced double-double output of 13 points and 13 rebounds which went with three assists, two blocks, and two steals.
Kean Baclaan starred offensively for the Green Archers with 18 points, while Doy Dungo and Earl Abadam added 11 and 10 points, respectively.
The Green Archers remained a force to be reckoned with as they rolled past the hometown bets to arrange a final rematch against Korea University being held at press time.
Their finals opponent is the very same team they routed, 101-86, for their first crown last year.
Korea U, for its part, book a finals berth after toppling Nippon Sport Science University (NSSU), 68-54.
Meanwhile, NSSU and Japan Select Team battle for the bronze medal.
Competing for fifth place are NCCU and University of Sydney.
Meanwhile, University of the Philippines concluded its debut in the three-day meet with a string of defeats at the expense of Korea U, 75-71, and University of Sydney, 96-77.