Romwel Anzures

De La Salle University star and UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball Finals MVP Mike Phillips. Photo from UAAP Media.

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ABS-CBN News

<div style="line-height:1.5"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1765973153789UAAP 88 MBB Finals G3 UP vs. DLSU- Mike Phillips-05253.jpeg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960" alt="De La Salle University star and UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball Finals MVP Mike Phillips. Photo from UAAP Media."/>De La Salle University star and UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball Finals MVP Mike Phillips. Photo from UAAP Media.MANILA — Win or lose, De La Salle University star Mike Phillips has always leaned on his faith, and he did so once more as he steered the Green Archers to the UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball championship.</div>The 6-foot-6 big man delivered a dominant performance with 25 points, 18 rebounds, and a block to earn Finals MVP honors as La Salle defeated University of the Philippines, 80-72, in Game 3 of the Season 88 Finals to clinch the crown.<div style="line-height:1.5"><a class="fr-green fr-strong" href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/sports/basketball/2025/12/17/redemption-la-salle-outlasts-up-to-reclaim-uaap-men-s-basketball-crown-1800">READ: La Salle outlasts UP to reclaim UAAP men’s basketball crown</a></div>The triumph capped not only Phillips’ five-year stint in Taft Avenue, but also a season that at one point saw La Salle in danger of missing the Final 4.While “Motor Mike” was at the forefront of the Green Archers’ path to glory, Phillips credited his faith as he reflected on their journey.“We’ve been through so much, and Jesus is the reason why we’re all here,” said Phillips, who scored 12 points in the fourth quarter alone. “Jesus is the reason for this glory. He was the one who elevated our games, so all glory to Jesus.”The Filipino-American forward also cited how his teammates and the entire Lasallian community pushed him to give it his all in his final UAAP game.“I cannot express my gratitude. They [the fans] were lining up for hours, and I was also just looking at our rookies, and they were my motivation. ‘Di ka rin mapapagod because hindi ako naglalaro para sa sarili ko. Naglalaro ako para sa mas malaking bagay,” he added.The victory allowed La Salle to reclaim the championship after surrendering the title to the Fighting Maroons in Season 87 in 2024.But while Phillips etched his name among the Green Archers’ legends with the win, the graduating star continued to deflect the praise to the Man above.“It’s been a great five years, but I don’t want my name to be remembered,” he said. “All I want to say is that I’m blessed to be a part of something bigger. Jesus is the real MVP, Jesus is the real champion.”

Win or lose, De La Salle University star Mike Phillips has always leaned on his faith, and he did so once more as he steered the Green Archers to the #UAAPSeason88 men’s basketball championship. #UAAPFinals

Win or lose, De La Salle University star Mike Phillips has always leaned on his faith, and he did so once more as he steered the Green Archers to the #UAAPSeason88 men’s basketball championship. #UAAPFinals

UAAP: God did it for him, so Finals MVP Mike Phillips also did it for La Salle

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UAAP: God did it for him, so Finals MVP Mike Phillips also did it for La Salle

Rom Anzures,

ABS-CBN News

Published December 17, 2025 08:11 PM PHT

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Basketball

UAAP

ABSSports

UAAP Season 88

UAAP Basketball

UAAP Finals

De La Salle Green Archers

UP Fighting Maroons

Mike Phillips

Finals MVP

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