MICHAEL Phillips walked out of the cramped Smart Araneta Coliseum backstage with the same welcoming smile that he came in with, even after a flock of reporters surrounded him for the customary post-game scrum.
He certainly didn’t look like someone who was fresh off a finals Game One loss after La Salle’s late comeback fell short against the University of the Philippines, 73-65, just minutes before facing the press.
READ: QMB a difference-maker as UP draws first blood vs La Salle
But for all the relaxed aura that he gives off, make no mistake: it’s not for a lack of competitive fire. It comes from his faith, and how it allows him to look at things from different perspectives.
“The hardships come from the Lord. As a believer and as a basketball player, there’s always gonna be highs and lows, it’s really important on how you perceive and accept things,” Phillips said.
“The Lord gave us this loss, the loss gave us this opportunity and it’s up to us now. One thing I love about Jesus is he’s gonna do everything he can but you still have to do your part.”
“Motor Mike” certainly did his part.
With the Fighting Maroons looking to break the game wide open, and the usually-reliable Kevin Quiambao leashed by the stifling UP defense in the second half, it was Phillips who carried the fight for the Green Archers.
The 6-foot-8 pogo stick scored 10 of La Salle’s final 13 points, bringing back the proud defending champions to within four twice only to fall short in the end.
READ: Topex brushes off KQ's silence from second half to post-game
Phillips finished with 17 points, 11 rebounds, five assists and a steal but that wasn’t enough as Quiambao was limited to just a single point after firing 18 in the first half, pushing La Salle against the wall for the first time since last year’s finals against the same opponent.
The last time that happened, La Salle responded with two convincing wins, and while that’s certainly on Phillips’ mind, he knows that they have to put out the necessary effort this time around to recreate that tale.
“It’s really easier said than done. But that’s what the finals is all about. It’s about embracing hardship, nothing’s given, nothing’s easy,” he said.
“We can’t discredit UP. We saw it in their eyes. I saw it before the game, I saw it after the game. They had that fire in their eyes. That something that you got to give credit to them. That’s something that we need to have in us.”
READ: Goldwin turns to Abadiano as the going gets tough in UAAP finals
Suddenly thrust into a do-or-die position after dominating for most of the tournament, Phillips' confidence is unshaken, and that comes out of his faith in the lord, his faith in himself, and his faith with the entire team.
“It’s just having that faith. We’re only going to go one way. There’s only one way to go, up. Did I just say UP’s [battlecry]? But hey that’s a good saying!” he said with a smile.
“It’s gonna be really fun, it’s gonna be hard, it’s gonna be fulfilling.”
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