For the past three UAAP men’s basketball seasons, few matchups have burned with as much quiet intensity as those between the University of the East and De La Salle University.
Each time the Red Warriors and the Green Archers collide, the contest transcends the standings — it becomes a showcase of heart and hustle.
At the center of this rivalry stand two tireless warriors: UE’s Nigerian big man Precious Momowei and La Salle’s anchor Mike Phillips.
Across three seasons and six battles, their duels in the paint have told a story of mutual respect and relentless drive, pushing each other to their limits.
“It won’t always be filled with success and sunshine and rainbows in the future,” Phillips reflected. “For me, it will now be about trying to apply his spirit that he has.”
“Shoutout to Mike Phillips. He’s one of the best players in the Philippines. I feel like he should be in the Gilas right now,” Momowei told Tiebreaker Times.
“Mike Phillips is a very tough opponent, but he’s humble. And he’s very aggressive. He makes me look better on the court. Nothing but love.”
Numbers That Tell Their Story
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
If numbers could speak, they would echo the shared sentiment between the two — that every La Salle–UE game brought out the best version of each athlete.
Phillips anchored the Green Archers to five victories in their last six meetings, averaging 13.2 points on 57.4-percent shooting, 9.0 rebounds, 1.5 steals, 1.5 assists, and 0.8 blocks.
His best outing came in Season 87’s second round, when he erupted for 27 points and 17 rebounds in a 77–68 victory over UE.
“It’s really infecting, the energy he brings,” Phillips said.
“Sana ma-apply ko rin ‘yon sa susunod na games. If I am experiencing some struggles in the games, I’ll try to remember how he fights and how they always give a really good game in the end.”
Despite UE winning only once in their last six clashes — a 75–71 triumph in the Season 87 first round — Momowei consistently proved that individual greatness could thrive amid adversity.
In those six games, he averaged 20.2 points on 56.1-percent shooting, 11.2 rebounds, 2.0 steals, 1.7 blocks, and 1.3 assists, highlighted by his monster 42-point, 13-rebound performance in a heartbreaking 110–111 overtime loss in Season 88.
“He pushed me a lot. On the basketball court, he always told me to keep going,” Momowei said.
“If you see him, he’s always crashing the floor and getting offensive rebounds — he’s everywhere. Some part of me wants to play like him. He’s very aggressive.”
Beyond the Paint
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
Beyond the bruises and box scores, what Momowei and Phillips will carry most from their rivalry aren’t just basketball lessons, but lessons in resilience, respect, and selflessness.
Phillips, after five seasons in Green and White, will bid farewell to La Salle as he prepares for the next chapter of his basketball career — whether in the PBA or overseas.
Momowei, meanwhile, will stay with the Red Warriors for his final playing year, determined to lead UE back to the Final Four for the first time in 16 years.
“Yung fighting spirit niya talaga, hindi lang si Momowei, but yung buong UE,” Phillips shared.
“They never really look at the score and they never look at their record. The UE community really see that in their players, that’s why they continue to come out and support.”
For Momowei, Phillips has become more than just a rival — he has become an example of leadership and commitment.
“I love that guy because he’s very aggressive, he’s very athletic, and he always carries his team win or lose,” said Momowei.
“He’s always giving his effort like 100-percent. That’s something I want to learn and become, a selfless leader.”
The rivalry of Phillips and Momowei was never about who won more games, but about how they made each other better — two relentless athletes proving that sometimes, the fiercest battles produce not enemies, but respect.
