By MARK REY MONTEJO
Reigning champion La Salle earned a return trip to the finals after defeating Japan University Select Team, 88-75, in the semis of the 2025 World University Basketball Series (WUBS) on Sunday, Aug. 10, at Tokyo’s Yoyogi National Stadium.
And like the team’s 89-84 thriller against Chinese Taipei’s National Chengchi University, it was again the hard-working Mike Phillips who struck hardest as the Archers forged a title rematch with Korea University this Monday, Aug. 11. They were battling at posting time.
Spearheaded by former star and eventual MVP winner Kevin Quiambao, the Archers demolished the Koreans, 101-86.
The 6-foot-7 Phillips tallied 13 points and 13 rebounds that went well with his three assists, two blocks, and two steals.
Kean Baclaan led all La Salle scorers with18 points, while Doy Dungo and Earl Abadam added 11 and 10 points, respectively.
Korea U made it to the finals after toppling Nippon Sport Science University (NSSU), 68-54.
For the bronze-medal match, NSSU squares off with Japan Select Team, while NCCU takes on University of Sydney to dispute the fifth place.
Reigning UAAP champion UP was eliminated early in the 8-team tournament.
In their first game, the Fighting Maroons suffered a 75-71 loss to Korea University before being booted by University of Sydney, 96-77.
