Archers claim last semis spot

MANILA, Philippines — La Salle took care of business, carving out a thrilling 78-72 comeback win against archrival Ateneo to complete the Final Four cast in the UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball last night in front of more than 12,000 fans at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Mike Phillips and Jacob Cortez delivered the finishing blows as the Green Archers eliminated the Blue Eagles (6-8) along with the Far Eastern U Tamaraws (6-8), whose 81-79 win earlier against the sure No. 3 seed Santo Tomas Growling Tigers went down the drain.

La Salle finished at No. 4, dodging complications of a potential double knockout matches for the last semis bus. The Green Archers will face the top-ranked National U Bulldogs (11-3) while the Growling Tigers (8-6) battle reigning champion and second-seeded UP (10-4).

As the top two seeds,  the Bulldogs and the Fighting Maroons will enjoy twice-to-beat incentives.

Cortez sizzled with 20 points including a crossover pull-up jumper in the last 12.4 seconds to seal La Salle’s win as the Archers marched to the Final Four, surviving a rollercoaster ride in the elims following the sidelining of  Kean Baclaan and Mason Amos.

MVP race leader Mike Phillips added 13 points and 16 rebounds, including the go-ahead tip-in in the last 43 seconds while Vhoris Marasigan had 12 points prior to his ejection due to an unsportsmanlike foul in the last two minutes on Divine Adili.

Adili, meanwhile, went out on fouls, with his exit taking its toll on Ateneo down the stretch.

Luis Pablo, JC Macalalag and Earl Abadam chipped in nine, eight and seven points, respectively.

“These are the times that I’ve been dreaming of when I was young watching Ateneo-La Salle games. I just told these guys that you’re part of this moment now so make sure that you’re gonna make lasting memories,” said coach Topex Robinson.