After Precious Momowei dropped 42 points for UE, DLSU captain Mike Phillips praised his matchup with the Nigerian star which ultimately led to a thrilling Green Archers escape in UAAP Season 88.
La Salle may have come out on top, but not without a fight from UE and Precious Momowei.
The Nigerian big man exploded for 42 points, but the Red Warriors squandered a 21-point lead and eventually fell to the Green Archers in a thrilling overtime slugfest.
It was the second-highest scoring game for a UE player since Alvin Pasaol’s 49-point outing in Season 80, which also ended in a loss to DLSU led by then former MVP Ben Mbala.
Tasked with guarding Momowei, DLSU captain Mike Phillips embraced the challenge.
[ALSO READ: Jacob Cortez finishes what Kean Baclaan started to propel La Salle past UE in overtime thriller]
“He’s always fun to play with. Palagi siyang maraming energy and movements, and he plays aggressive,” Phillips said.
He added: “He really plays his heart out for UE, and that’s why the Red Warriors community loves him.”
Even as Momowei dominated the stats battle, Phillips matched his energy with another double-double outing of 18 points, 11 rebounds, and his trademark relentless hustle on both ends.
The win evened DLSU’s record at 3-3 while sending UE into a 0-6 start this season and extending their losing streak to 10 games.
Now, the Green Archers turn their attention to a highly anticipated Finals rematch with defending champions UP.
“We’re going to prepare, and I put my trust in our coaches to help us get ready against UP. We’re going to stick together, but first we have to analyze this game against UE,” Philipps bared.
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Pao Ambat earned his journalism degree from Cavite State University in 2022.
Passionate about sports from a young age, he primarily covers the NBA for One Sports, while also assisting in reporting on the PVL, PBA, UAAP, and other leagues.