Kean Baclaan delivered the clutch basket, while Mike Phillips powered De La Salle University to a stunning 95-92 victory over Ateneo de Manila University at the Moro Lorenzo Gym on Sunday in the 2025 Asiabasket College Campus Tour.
The Green Archers found themselves trailing by as much as 12 points, 88-76, midway through the final quarter.
However, Phillips led a furious rally, bringing La Salle back into contention.
Former NU Bulldog Kean Baclaan then took over in crunch time. He nailed the go-ahead mid-range jumper with 1:12 left to give La Salle an 89-88 lead and later sank two clutch free throws to seal the win.
The victory silenced the Ateneo faithful who packed the gym, as the Green Archers pulled off an impressive comeback.
Phillips dominated with a monstrous double-double of 33 points and 26 rebounds, while Baclaan chipped in 13 points and five assists for La Salle.
Ian Espinosa and Kyle Gamber paced the Blue Eagles with 17 and 15 points, respectively.
Meanwhile, Mason Amos, who was jeered throughout the game, contributed 11 points and four rebounds for the Green Archers.
In other games, San Beda edged out EAC, 68-60, while St. Benilde narrowly escaped Mapua, 66-64.
On the other hand, National University routed Far Eastern University, 86-69.
NU’s bench played a crucial role in their blowout win over FEU, with Omar John tallying 13 points and five rebounds, while Leonard Santiago added eight points.
Montell Shelton and Adam Nakai led the Tamaraws, with Shelton recording 17 points and six rebounds, while Nakai contributed 12 points and three boards.
Justine Sanchez led the way for the Blazers with 17 points
For San Beda, Jimmy Reyes had 14 points and six rebounds, while Zed Etulle contributed 10 points and eight rebounds in their victory.
