La Salle’s Phillips, NU’s Clarin receive UAAP Players of the Week honors

Seasoned players Mike Phillips of De La Salle University Green Archers and Camille Clarin of National University Bulldogs both delivered outstanding performances for their teams in the final stretch of eliminations in the UAAP Season 87 basketball tournaments.

As both teams continued to compete for their respective titles, Phillips and Clarin contributed crucial assistance for their respective teams, which resulted in them being awarded as the Collegiate Press Corps (CPC) UAAP Players of the Week award for the period of November 3–10.

After a fiercely contested poll, Phillips defeated Mo Konateh of FEU, AJ Fransman of Adamson, and Nic Cabañero of UST to win the weekly prize.

With an average of 15.5 points, 12.5 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 3.0 steals, and 1.0 blocks during DLSU's 2-0 week, the 6-foot-8 forward was the most popular pick among reporters in the men's tournament.

In a hard-fought 58-53 victory over FEU, Phillips filled the void left by reigning MVP Kevin Quiambao on a rare off night. He finished with 17 points, 15 rebounds, two assists, five steals, and two blocks.

“I’m just so happy with my role that coach [Topex Robinson] gave me," said Phillips, who scored 11 of his 17 points in the final quarter against the Tamaraws.

"I just try to be one of the leaders on the defense and the energy, and a lot of times I still struggle with my offensive end, and sometimes too much energy, and it’s not channeled the right way, but that’s why I trust in my teammates,” he added.

As the Lady Bulldogs near the end of the preliminary round, Clarin's leadership has been essential in keeping their streak unbeaten.

During another flawless week for NU, which included a 76-70 victory over rivals University of Santo Tomas, the 5-foot-10 guard averaged 15.0 points, 4.7 rebounds, 4.0 assists, and 1.3 steals. 

Clarin finished that game with 21 points (18 in the first half), seven rebounds, four assists, one steal, and one block.

With a unanimous vote, Clarin defeated notable candidates including Sarah Makanjuola of Ateneo, Kyla Sunga of DLSU, and Tacky Tacatac of UST.

“I take big responsibility in being the captain. I know a lot of these girls look up to me. Not necessarily to score but just to lead the team, to keep us level-headed the whole game. So, I take that responsibility very highly," said Clarin, whose leadership has been vital to the Lady Bulldogs’ victories in the preliminaries.

"And I know that even if I’m struggling, they have my back, so I gotta make sure I do that for them as well," she added.