La Salle big man Mike Phillips. Photo from UAAP Media

MANILA (UPDATED) — De La Salle University overwhelmed University of Santo Tomas to impose its dominance in UAAP Season 87.

The Green Archers broke away in the second half to defeat the Growling Tigers, 88-67, during their men's basketball faceoff on Sunday at the Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City in a game that was dedicated to the deceased security guard of La Salle's dorm. 

Mike Phillips had a 12-point, 18-rebound game to lead DLSU as they improved to 5-1 in the league standings, while also staying steady was reigning MVP Kevin Quiambao posted 10 markers, six boards, and four assists in their win.

"We know what they are capable of, we know how well-coached UST is, they're riding off a very good momentum, kaya sabi namin na ang work namin right now is to outwork UST," said La Salle head coach Topex Robinson after the game. 

Only ahead by six points at the break, the Archers indeed went on to outwork their opponents as they went on to outwork their opponents in the second half and out-hustled them on the boards, 56-29.

This eventually paved the way for La Salle to lead by as huge as 24, 88-64, after a three-pointer by Alex Konov with only a minute left in the game.

"I'm glad that we just did what we were supposed to do. Everybody has also been talking about us and the challenges that we're facing, but the only thing that we can control is our team. We're always gonna be under the spotlight, so what we can do is to hold on to each other, and help and support each other," said Robinson on what their perspective was that resulted in La Salle putting up admirable effort on both ends of the floor. 

"It's nice to be a witness to that, and it's really a blessing for me to be an audience to how these guys are really working together," added Coach Topex, who also lauded their showing in the assists department where they put up 26.

"We also put highlights on our assists, and we were just sharing the ball. That just shows the character that we have and the culture that we're trying to build," he said. 

Meanwhile, Phillips shared that among his motivations in this game was the aforementioned passing of Doleo Susalta.

"I just want to dedicate this game to him. He was someone who took care of us, he was a part of the La Sallian community, and he just recently passed away two nights ago. Last night, I was in a dark place, and I saw the most beautiful sunset after training — I knew that was him," he said.

On the other hand, the Pido Jarencio-coached squad was led by Nic Cabañero and Forth Padrigao who had 16 points, and 15 markers and five assists, respectively. Unfortunately for España, they fell to 3-2.

The Scores:

La Salle 88 – M. Phillips 12, Marasigan 11, Quiambao 10, Macalalag 10, Gonzales 10, Agunanne 7, Gollena 6, Austria 6, Dungo 6, David 4, Abadam 3, Konov 3, Ramiro 0.

UST 67 – Cabanero 16, Padrigao 15, Acido 9, Manaytay 8, Tounkara 5, Llemit 5, Danting 5, Robinson 2, Lane 2, Crisostomo 0, Pangilinan 0, Mahmood 0, Laure 0, Estacio 0, Paranada 0, Calum 0.

Quarters: 19-18, 36-30, 61-52, 88-67.