De La Salle University star Mike Phillips against University of the East in UAAP Season 88. Photo from UAAP Media.MANILA — De La Salle University is now dealing with injuries to two of its prized recruits, as Mason Amos suffered an MCL tear last Sunday, while Kean Baclaan was inadvertently hit by Wello Lingolingo on Wednesday, causing him an apparent right knee injury.
One silver lining was that the Green Archers were able to complete a 21-point comeback against University of the East in overtime.
More than the result, however, team captain Mike Phillips is focused on the recovery of his teammates.
READ: Baclaan’s injury clouds La Salle’s epic comeback OT win vs. UE
“It feels good to win, but to be honest, I’m just praying for Kean right now,” the 6-foot-7 forward said after tallying an 18-point, 11-rebound outing despite dealing with cramps.
“I just remember hearing him screaming, so we just got together and said that we gotta win it for Kean and for Mason,” he added.
La Salle’s latest victory got everyone from their team emotional, with head coach Topex Robinson not being able to continue with the postgame presser as he was overwhelmed due to their recent setbacks.
For Phillips, it is in situations like these when one’s faith will be needed the most.
“I just think that’s when faith comes in,” said the senior captain of La Salle. “I’m really proud that my teammates are finding that maturity, and maybe those are the things that God is teaching us, maturity and composure.”
“After Kean went down, in those moments, emotions were all over the place. You could just explode in all the wrong ways, but those are the crucial points where God is leading us to push forward and lean on each other,” he added.
The challenge for La Salle now is hanging on to that faith, one that Phillips hopes will keep them together as they prepare for a Season 87 Finals rematch with University of the Philippines on Sunday, and the rest of Round 2 after that.
“This up-and-down season is going to continue, but we just need to continue to have faith,” he said. “I may be the captain, but that is just a label. We are all leaning on each other, and we are all the captains of each other.”
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