Phillips, Cortez nagningning sa Season 88
MANILA, Philippines — Tapos na ang hulaan, naibalik na ng De la Salle University ang korona sa kanilang bakuran ito’y matapos mangibabaw sa University of the Philippines, 80-72, sa winner-take-all Game 3 ng UAAP Season 88 collegiate men’s basketball championship na ginanap sa Smart Araneta Coliseum noong Miyerkules ng gabi.
At para kina Mike Phillips at Jacob Cortez, magandang alaala ang pagiging kampeon nila ngayong season.
Lilisan na si Phillips sa collegiate league na bitbit ang dalawang kampeonato nito para sa Green Archers at Finals MVP.
“I just want to say one thing: Jesus Christ is the real champion, He is the real MVP,” saad ni graduating student, Phillips. “Jesus brought us to rock bottom so He could show us that He is the rock. Jesus Christ is the one who saved us.”
May liwanag na rin ang pagnanais nitong makalaro para sa Pilipinas ni Phillips, dahil papabor sa kanya ang ginawang adjustment ng FIBA sa age eligibility rules.
Base sa bagong regulation, iko konsidera ang isang player na local kapag nagkaroon siya ng passport bago mag 18 anyos.
“Pangarap ko ‘yan, but I know it’s all in God’s timing. I don’t want to rush anything because of course, I still need to earn my spot on the team. Just based on my experience from the SEA Games, it’s just a different kind of experience.” ani ng Filipino-American, Phillips.
Nag average si 23-year-old Phillips ng 13.3 points at 13.7 rebounds sa three-game championship series kontra University of the Philippines, at ang inirehistro nito sa Game 3 ay 25 puntos at 18 rebounds.
Para kay Jacob may magandang naalala ito sa pagiging kampeon nila ngayong season, dahil may dalawang taon na ang nakalipas ay inakbayan nito ang San Beda Red Lions sa pagsilo ng korona sa NCAA Season 99.
“Exactly two years ago, I won with San Beda. Coincidentally, Coach Topex (Robinson) was the analyst.” sabi ni Cortez, “Who would have known two years later on the same day, I’d win for him”
Nahablot ng Green Archers ang pang 11th overall champion.
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