De La Salle University’s Mike Phillips and University of the Philippines‘ Jan Jan Felicilda, Harold Alarcon, Gerry Abadiano, Terrence Fortea, and Reyland Torres. Photos from UAAP Media.MANILA — De La Salle University star Mike Phillips is aiming to end his UAAP career as a champion anew, but standing in his way are five University of the Philippines seniors also looking to finish their own journeys in glory.
Phillips and the Green Archers will lock horns with the Fighting Maroons and their graduating ‘Maroon 5’ — Harold Alarcon, Gerry Abadiano, Terrence Fortea, Janjan Felicilda, and Reyland Torres — in the UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball Finals, which tips off Wednesday at 4:00 p.m. at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay.
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“That’s the dream, but I just want to enjoy the atmosphere,” said the 6-foot-7 Filipino-American when asked about possibly closing his collegiate career with a second UAAP title. “I couldn't plan this year any better than God planned.”
But aside from another chance of chasing the crown for the Taft-based squad, Phillips shared that going up against fellow seniors — not only from UP — was something that has made this final run more meaningful.
“For me, this whole year, I’ve been cherishing the battles, the guys I’ve been battling ever since my rookie year,” said Phillips, who also had memorable meetings against the likes of Adamson University’s Ced Manzano, National University’s Jake Figueroa, and University of Santo Tomas’ Nic Cabañero, among others.
It now that it all boils down to one last fight with UP — the third straight Finals showdown between the two powerhouse programs — and Phillips knows that the Maroon 5 are just as determined to fulfill their own glorious purpose.
“We know their seniors are also going to give all that they’ve got,” he emphasized. “So we know it’s gonna be a good fight.”
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