The La Salle Green Archers face tall odds against the league-leading NU Bulldogs in their UAAP Season 88 Final Four clash.
Mike Phillips and the DLSU Green Archers aim to extend their season and force a knockout showdown when they take on the top-ranked NU Bulldogs in the UAAP Season 88 Final Four on Wednesday, December 3, 1:30 p.m. at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
La Salle enters the semis riding momentum after back-to-back victories to close the eliminations, including a massive win over defending champion UP.
Despite being injury-hit for much of the season, the Green Archers are hoping to be closer to full strength with Mason Amos back in action and Kean Baclaan showing signs of progress.
Phillips has been La Salle’s heartbeat, and his 13-point, 16-rebound, four-assist, two-steal performance against Ateneo underscored his value as both an anchor and tone-setter.
His matchup with NU’s Omar John—who posted a double-double vs UST—will be decisive as La Salle tries to break NU’s twice-to-beat shield.
[READ: Mike Phillips turns to faith amid anxieties in final UAAP season with La Salle]
NU defeated La Salle twice in the elimination round, but the pressure now swings to the No. 1 Bulldogs, who are chasing their first Finals appearance since 2014.
A La Salle victory forces a do-or-die game for a spot in the UAAP Season 88 Finals, keeping the Archers’ title hopes alive.
The game is available via livestream on Pilipinas Live app. It will also be shown on TV via One Sports and the UAAP Varsity Channel.
(With reports from Luisa Morales)
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[Editor's note: This article was written by a member of the One Sports Digital with the help of AI, and then checked by the staff to ensure accuracy.]