TWO teams were sent to represent the Philippines in the 2025 World University Basketball Series - and neither of them will be coming back with the trophy.
Doomed by its poor start, La Salle's belated furious fightback fell short, as it surrendered the crown to Korea University, 95-85, in the championship game on Monday at Yoyogi National Stadium Second Gymnasium in Tokyo.
Just like their curtain-raiser against the University of the Philippines, the Koreans put pedal to the metal right after tip-off and never looked back.
Mike Phillips did his best to help the Green Archers recover, trimming the lead down to 12, 91-79, with a dunk with 1:12 remaining, but time just was not in their favor, as Moon Yu-hyeon scored on a layup with 1:03 left to seal the deal for the Tigers.
It was also sweet redemption for Korea U which fell to Kevin Quiambao-led La Salle in the finals last year, 101-86. This is their maiden title in the four-year-old invitational tournament.
Phillips paced the green-and-white with 30 points in the runner-up finish, while Kean Baclaan had 11 of his 21 points in that fourth quarter comeback attempt. Jacob Cortez also got 13 in the defeat.
READ: UP heads to UAAP title defense more motivated after winless WUBS debut
The Green Archers now turn their attention to the oncoming UAAP Season 88, where they hope to regain the crown they lost to the Fighting Maroons.
Korea U was just in peak form from the get-go, its offense fiery and defense stout as ever, as it raced to a 28-7 start and never looked back.
Not only did the Tigers force their foes into committing 20 turnovers, they were also precise from distance, knocking down 13 of their 31 attempts from rainbow country.
Yun Ki-chan paced the Koreans with 26 points on a blazing 6-of-10 clip from threes, as Tournament MVP Moon Yu-hyeon got 21 points and three dimes in the three-game sweep.
The Scores:
KOREA U 95 – Yun 26, Moon 21, Lee DG 13, Yang 11, Yoo 9, Park 4, Seok 4, Chung 3, Kim D 2, Kim JH 2, Lee GH 0, Lee DY 0.
LA SALLE 85 – Phillips 30, Baclaan 18, Cortez 13, Pablo 6, Marasigan 5, Abadam 5, Nwankwo 4, Amos 2, Gollena 2, Macalalag 0, Dungo 0.
Quarters: 31-16, 57-35, 75-51, 95-85.
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