La Salle Green Archers’ Mike Phillips during Game 2 of the UAAP Season 87 men’s basketball Finals against UP Fighting Maroons. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines—La Salle forward Mike Phillips had all the fuel he needed for Game 2 of the UAAP Season 87 Finals in the form of a prayer from coach Topex Robinson, just days before the gargantuan win over the University of the Philippines.
Down 0-1 before Wednesday, the Green Archers needed all the motivation to tie the series and fortunately for Phillips, he was given the best pep talk by Robinson after one of their practices before Game 2.
READ: UAAP Finals: La Salle beats UP in tense finish to force Game 3
“I wish you guys could’ve been there yesterday during our practice. Coach Topex (Robinson) gave one of the most amazing prayers that I’ve heard from a man,” said an emotional Phillips after their 76-75 win over the Fighting Maroons at Mall of Asia Arena on Thursday.
“We were all there. My parents were there, fans were there and I’m just grateful to be breathing with all of them. We’re all sharing the same heartbeat, we’re all a part of this.”
Robinson’s prayers seemed to have worked wonders for the Green Archers as they pushed the series to a do-or-die game, much like they did last year.
READ: UAAP Finals: Topex Robinson lifts La Salle’s morale after Game 1 loss
Phillips turned in a gargantuan effort with a double-double of 18 points and 12 rebounds, missing just five of his 14 shots from the field for nine made baskets.
It seemed that Robinson’s positive message rubbed off on Phillips as he played strenuously for over 29 minutes in pursuit of forcing a decider against the same Finals rival this season.
Proving true to what he’s been preaching all season long, Phillips kept his faith in the Lord and said that moving forward, he will continue to do so in hopes of replicating what La Salle in the Finals did last season.
“Wins and losses, God is there and emotions are so high on both games but when nervousness sets in, you always have to find something that’s consistent and that’s our faith,” he said.