Like a boxer showing respect to a bloodied opponent, La Salle’s Mike Phillips did the same for University of the East big man Precious Momowei.
Following La Salle’s gritty 111-110 win over the Red Warriors in the UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball tournament, Phillips was quick to acknowledge his counterpart’s valiant effort despite the loss. ‘He really plays his heart out for UE,’ said Phillips at Mall of Asia Arena on Wednesday.
‘That’s why the community really loves him and every time they see him they cheer for him. It’s nice to kind of have that and just props to him for really playing his heart out.’
Momowei did his usual thing-posting a double-double for UE-but this time, he also tallied the highest-scoring output for a Red Warrior since 2017.
The Nigerian forward exploded for 42 points-the most by a UE player since Alvin Pasaol’s outburst in Season 80-along with 13 rebounds. Unfortunately, his performance still wasn’t enough to end the team’s skid, as UE remained winless after six games.
Phillips, meanwhile, registered 18 points and 11 rebounds to help La Salle improve to 3-3.