De La Salle University’s Mike Phillips (#25) and Mason Amos (#21) against University of the Philippines in UAAP Season 88. Photo from UAAP Media/Neo Garcia.MANILA — After dealing with an MCL tear, Mason Amos finally made his return as De La Salle University continued its UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball Final 4 push.
READ: La Salle repeats over UP in thriller to stay in Top 4 picture
The 21-year-old sniper made his presence felt as the Green Archers took down University of the Philippines, 87-82, on Saturday, tallying a game-high plus/minus of +21 along with three points, three rebounds, three assists, and one block.
“I didn’t expect the news today, but I passed my tests, so it worked,” shared Amos as they picked up their seventh win in 13 games. “My knee is intact, so there were no big risks. I’d say I’m at 95%.”
Amos missed La Salle’s previous seven games where they won only four, but despite helping secure a crucial win in his return, he downplayed his performance.
“I still have a lot to work on,” he admitted. “I don’t think my legs are at 100% just like how I want them to be, but it feels great to be back and get this win.
One person who would not discredit his return, however, was La Salle team captain Mike Phillips.
“His return is huge,” the veteran forward said. “We saw how hard his journey was, so Mason’s comeback is really uplifting for all of us.”
Phillips credited Amos for allowing him and the likes of Jacob Cortez, Vhoris Marasigan, and Earl Abadam to focus on their roles on both ends, saying that the Fil-Aussie’s presence goes beyond the box score.
“We know what Mase can do, so seeing him back was really beautiful,” Phillips added.
But more than his on-court presence, what Phillips said he admired most was how Amos handled an injury that could have easily shut him down for the season.
“He could have taken the easy route and said” ‘Hey, my season’s over,’” said Phillips. “But he stood his ground and did everything he could to come back.”
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