Koreans dethrone Green Archers

De La Salle University dropped its title after suffering an 85-95 loss to Korea University in the final of the World University Basketball Series (WUBS) at the Yoyogi National Stadium Second Gymnasium in Tokyo on Monday.

Kichan Yun erupted for 26 points to help the Tigers avenge their 75-88 loss to the Kevin Quiambao-bannered Green Archers in the championship match last year.

The Koreans started the game hot, posting a 28-7 lead that was punctuated by a dunk from Donggeun Lee with 2:08 left in the first quarter.

The Tigers, the reigning U-League champion, led by as many as 27 points, 53-26, after Donggeun knocked down a three-pointer with 3:28 left in the second period.

Mike Philips tried to restore order and helped La Salle close the gap to 12 with a dunk in the final 72 seconds, 79-91, but WUBS Most Valuable Player Moon Yu Hyeon scored on a layup in the final 63 seconds to seal the victory and formally knock the crown of the Filipinos’ heads.

Aside from Kichan and Donggeun, the Koreans’ shooting was on full display as they went 23-of-37 in the field laced with 13 three-pointers. Their suffocating defense also forced the champions of University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 86 to commit 20 turnovers.

Prior to beating La Salle, the Koreans also beat University of the Philippines in the quarterfinals, 75-71, before beating Nippon Sports Science University of Japan, 68-54, to gain the right to face the Green Archers.

Philips shone, finishing with a double-double game of 30 points and 12 rebounds but he failed to lead La Salle to become the first Filipino team to win back-to-back titles in this prestigious inter-school tournament.

Kean Baclaan had 18 markers while Jacob Cortez added 13 points for the Green Archers, who are using the tournament in its preparation for Season 88 of the UAAP next month.