Archers come home from Tokyo a learned lot for Season 88
La Salle coach Topex Robinson has absolutely no regrets in the Green Archers’ failed bid to win back-to-back titles in the World University Basketball Series (WUBS).
Robinson believes his charges won something entirely different, something that will help them in great stead for what is the big picture of their calendar year—the UAAP Season 88 campaign.
“While the outcome may not have been what we hoped for, this campaign has been a valuable learning experience for all of us,” wrote Robinson in an Instagram post as his Archers started life without Kevin Quiambao and proved they have it against formidable opposition in Tokyo, Japan.
“To the entire Lasallian community—thank you for standing with us throughout our WUBS campaign.”
The Green Archers’ bid for a WUBS title repeat came to a screeching halt when they faltered to Korea University, 95-85, on Tuesday as the Koreans bundled out a second PH side after also eliminating reigning UAAP champion University of the Philippines.
Even then, the Archers didn’t look like they were missing Quiambao, their Season 86 here who is currently with Gilas Pilipinas for the 2025 Fiba Asia Cup.
Mike Philips finished with a KQ-esque numbers of 30 points, 12 rebounds, six assists, a steal and a block, in the loss, with newcomers Kean Baclaan and Jacob Cortez chipping in with 18 and 13 points, respectively.
And though he may not have said it, the performance of his new terrific trio is one thing that Robinson hopes will carry the Archers in the coming UAAP wars where they will try to wrest the title away from the Fighting Maroons.
The guard duo of Baclaan and Cortez will make their debuts after sitting out Season 87 to comply with the league’s eligibility rules.
“We will take these lessons to heart, grow stronger, and come back even more determined,” Robinson went on. “We are proud to represent such a passionate and united community. Animo La Salle!”
The collective efforts of Philips, Baclaan and Cortez were just not enough to trounce Korea U, which was spearheaded by Kichan Yun, who turned in 26 points.
