THE De La Salle Green Archers’ bid for a repeat championship came up short as they fell to Korea University, 95-85, in the final of the World University Basketball Series in Tokyo, Japan.
With the loss, La Salle finished as runner-up in the tournament.
Korea University is now the third team to be crowned champions of the invitational tournament. They join the inaugural champions, the Ateneo Blue Eagles, and last year’s titlist, the Green Archers.
The Green Archers, the defending champions, had earned their spot in the finals after a decisive 88-75 victory over the Japan University Select Team on Sunday.
Kean Baclaan was a key factor in that win, igniting a second-quarter breakaway where DLSU outscored the Japanese squad 22-7 to build a commanding 41-24 halftime lead. Baclaan scored 11 of his 18 total points in the first half to ensure the Green Archers continued their title defense.
Mike Philips also delivered a strong performance for La Salle in the semifinal, posting a double-double with 13 points and 13 rebounds, along with three assists, two steals, and two blocks.
On the other side of the bracket, Korea University secured their finals berth by defeating Nippon Sport Science University, 68-54.
