La Salle’s Mike Phillips (right) against FEU’s Mo Konateh (left). Photo from UAAP Media.

MANILA (UPDATED) — De La Salle University completed a come-from-behind win to avoid an upset against Far Eastern University.

The Green Archers outlasted the Tamaraws, 58-53, in their UAAP Season 87 men's basketball clash on Wednesday at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

Mike Phillips scored 11 of his 17 markers in the fourth period to lead all scorers, and he also posted 15 rebounds, five steals, two blocks, and two dimes for the Topex Robinson-mentored team. 

The coach hailed the efforts of Phillips who stepped up, especially in the payoff period as Kevin Quiambao struggled throughout the game. For Robinson, instances like these will be of huge help to them as they enter the last stretch of Round 2. 

"Those opportunities will just try to make us better as a team," he said after the game. "We have to go through some shared struggles and challenges. At this point kasi, when things are not really going our way, you just have to trust these guys to find ways."

La Salle managed to tally the win despite Quiambao only finishing with eight points and shooting 2/17 from the field. He still had 13 markers, an assist, and a block. 

Only holding a 52-51 lead as both teams went back-and-forth in the last quarter, Phillips extended their lead to three after he converted a baby hook with only 52.6 left in the contest.

Veejay Pre took a three-pointer in their next play, but his shot missed the bottom of the net, giving La Salle a chance to extend their lead.

That was exactly what Phillips did as he drained a tough lay-in against Mo Konateh for a 58-51 lead, and despite Mike missing the bonus free throw, that was all the Archers needed to extend their lead to eight and improve to 11-1. 

Before these, facing a 24-12 deficit in the first half, the defending champions went on a massive 24-to-2 rampage to suddenly build a 36-26 cushion in the third quarter.

The Tamaraws, however, made it a ball game in the fourth and even regained the lead for a slim 43-42 advantage later all thanks to the efforts of Royce Alforque, Pre, and Janrey Pasaol. 

Unfortunately, the Tamaraws, who were led by Mo Konateh's 14-point, 27-rebound game, weren't able to hold on as they eventually fell to 4-8 in the team standings. 

Pre had 12 markers and five boards, while Alforque and Pasaol both scored 11. 

THE SCORES:

La Salle 58 – M. Phillips 17, Macalalag 9, Quiambao 8, Dungo 8, Marasigan 4, David 3, Gonzales 3, Austria 2, Ramiro 2, Agunanne 2, Gollena 0, Konov 0.

FEU 53 – Konateh 14, Pre 12, Pasaol 11, Alforque 11, Anonuevo 3, Daa 2, Bautista 0, Montemayor 0, Ona 0, Bagunu 0, Nakai 0.

Quarterscores: 10-19, 28-26, 40-41, 58-53.