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Manila Bulletin devider Sports devider Collegiate devider La Salle shows true character in big win over UP

La Salle shows true character in big win over UP

Published Nov 24, 2025 11:01 am

At A Glance

  • De La Salle University has always shown its strong will to hurdle adversities, even in the most difficult times this Season 88.
(UAAP Media)
(UAAP Media)
De La Salle University has always shown its strong will to hurdle adversities, even in the most difficult times this Season 88.
Motivated to bounce back from its heartbreaking losses in previous games, the Taft-based squad rebounded by beating reigning champion University of Philippines, 87-82, to strengthen its Final Four bid in the UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball tournament at the Smart Araneta Coliseum last weekend.
“It’s hard, coming off a losing streak, going through injuries, sickness through the players, but what really transpired there was their will to win,” said La Salle head coach Topex Robinson as La Salle had bested rival UP in their last two matches this year.
“Not giving up on every possession, knowing that UP is really going always gives you a good fight, and just going to test you to the metal,” he added. “But, again, these guys just stepped up, most importantly, had fun playing and competing. [They] really deserve to really savor this moment for them.”
Before snapping its three-game slide and improving 7-6, La Salle dug deep to recover from a 16-point hole in the opening frame, 6-22, before Jacob Cortez, Vhoris Marasigan, and Earl Abadam orchestrated a late 14-4 fourth-quarter rally which completed their come-from-behind win over the State U.
“Again, with the challenges that we're having, as far as our personnel is concerned, anybody that could, you know, chip in, you know, those little things really mean a lot to us,” Robinson continued.
“But having these guys just being ready for their number to be called is a luxury for us as we go through the final stages of the eliminations and hopefully heading into the Final Four. So kung sino yung makakatulong, it's really going to be big for us,” he added.
The Green Archers faced an early woe when EJ Gollena was ejected in the first quarter for a disqualifying foul after a closed-fist contact with Maroons’ Francis Nnoruka, who was also tossed out following unsportsmanlike and technical fouls.
“You know, when EJ went out, he's always the guy that makes sure everybody smiles, makes sure everybody's having fun, and so he just told me, hey, you know, don't forget to smile,” said Phillips.
“And I really felt, you know, that when you play like that, even when you're down, or you're struggling, if you just try to look for that gratitude, it really, it can really show up,” he added. “And it's not gonna guarantee a win, but it's gonna guarantee you're gonna have, you know, one of the most memorable times of your life.”
After being sidelined in several games due to a medial collateral ligament (MCL) tear in La Salle’s 78-82 loss to National University last Oct. 12, Mason Amos returned to the floor and logged a modest output of three points, three rebounds, and three assists.
“Nakita namin lahat yung comeback niya, kung gano'n kahirap yung pinagdaanan niya. But just naka-uplift talaga na nakabalik si Mason,” Phillips continued.
“He's always high-fiving, always uplifting, and of course, the X and O's, we know what Mason can do… But now just to really have that on the court, on the bench is just really beautiful and I'm just really happy for him,” he added.
La Salle has solidified its hold on the No. 4 seat, but not without the pressure coming from Far Eastern University (6-7) and Ateneo (6-7).
La Salle is heading into its most crucial game this season when it takes on Ateneo this Wednesday, Nov. 26, where the two squads will rekindle their rivalry with the victor boosting its chance of catching the last semis bus.

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De La Salle Green Archers UP Fighting Maroons UAAP Season 88
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