THE La Salle Green Archers will be the underdogs in Game 3 of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines men’s basketball tournament finals against a more experienced defending champions University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons.
Coach Topex Robinson said this Sunday after the Archers lost a closely fought battle in Game 2 to the Fighting Maroons, who got away with a 66-63 triumph at the Mall of Asia Arena.
“We can’t complain, given the opportunity that we have. We have to remember that we’re a young team,” said Robinson now that their best-of-three finals series is tied at one game apiece.
The Fighting Maroons forced a winner-take-all Game 3, after bouncing back from a 70-74 setback in Game 1.
“We might have those veterans in the team. But we’re so young as being in the finals is concerned,” added Robinson on their third season of having to face the Fighting Maroons for the championship since 2023.
In Game 2, the Green Archers started great and were up by as much as seven points in the first quarter.
But their struggles with 15 turnovers throughout the game, denied them their claim for an 11th league title.
“It’s something to look forward to, it’s something that every athlete, every young coach always dreams of — going to Game 3,” said Robinson on the deciding game set at 3:30 p.m. this Wednesday at the Big Dome, being their final chance to seek the crown.
The Green Archers will once again count on the leadership of point guard Jacob Cortez, who led the team with 16 points, four rebounds, and two steals.
Backing up Cortez are Luis Pablo, who fired 12 points and six rebounds, in Game 2, and Mike Phillips, who knocked in eight points and hauled down 12 rebounds.
