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Mike Phillips Credits DLSU Community as His ‘Heartbeat and Soul’

Photo source: UAAP Media Team

The DLSU Green Archers lost the first game of the Finals of UAAP Season 87 Men’s Basketball against the UP Fighting Maroons, 65-73. Afterwards, veteran player Mike Phillips talked to ALL-STAR about the struggles that come with a match against UP Fighting Maroons’ big man, Quentin Millora-Brown.

“I think just kind of looking at QMB and how hard he plays, it’s something that you really have to match. If not, you’re [going to] have a hard time,” he said. “He really brings the best out of his defenders to try and take it.”

Phillips also wanted to give credit to the other UP Fighting Maroons who gave him a challenging game. He said, “It’s not just QMB, it’s everyone on that team, you know, challenges you. I think that’s one of the reasons why I love playing with UP. It’s just that, the emotions are so high, but really it’s a struggle each game.”

He also talked about the enthusiasm of the UP crowd during the game.

“I love their crowd. That’s their sixth man, always pumping them up. But I’m sure [the UP community] loves guys like JD, guys like QMB, who just really give their hearts to the school. You couldn’t really ask anything more from a player like that.”

Despite the loss, Mike Phillips remained optimistic through his faith. He emphasized that this is all part of God’s plan.

“I said earlier that both good and bad come from the Lord. The Lord has a plan for us. The first thing I’m doing is to pray. Before I look at any basketball thing, I’m just [going to] pray,” he said.

Phillips also wanted to look at the loss and see where he could help the team take the win for Game 2. Although it will be a hard match, he hoped that the Lasallian community continue to give support to the team.

“[I’m] trying to see where God wants to take us, where and how the veterans can lead the team, and we’re just going to give it our all. That’s one thing I know for sure.”

He added:

“Hopefully, the community will support us like how they supported us today. It’s going to be a hard Game 2, but we’re going to give it up to God and try to do our best.”

Mike Phillips also shared about the enthusiasm from the Lasallian community that he witnessed firsthand.

“I love them. You know, I had gone up to our gym, and I was on the ninth floor. Around 7 or 6 AM, I saw people already lining up to buy tickets for this game. Something like that really just puts everything into perspective,” said Phillips. “I mean, these are students, and it’s Finals season, and of course, the alumni who have work, but they still came out to support.”

He also admitted that the crowd is his ‘heartbeat and soul,’ who have been there through the celebrations and the struggles.

“When we’re really down, I look [at] them. Earlier, I had a moment where I was just trying to pump up the crowd because they’re really my heartbeat and my soul. We’ve come this far because of them.”

“The Lasallian community shows themselves the most during losses. Of course, the program has its winning tradition, but in those times of struggle, they really come and support us. So, I couldn’t be more grateful to them,” Phillips said.

Related: UAAP Season 87 Basketball Series Schedule