Mike Phillips led a major fourth-quarter comeback, but Korea University managed to hold on for a 95-85 victory in the World University Basketball Series (WUBS) finals in Japan.

The Green Archers overcame a 27-point deficit with a strong second-half performance but ran out of steam in the final moments as the Koreans secured the win.

Korea University avenged their loss to the same team in last year’s tournament, where the Green Archers had previously triumphed.

La Salle once trailed by 27 points after Junhwi Seok’s layup gave Korea a 55-28 lead in the second quarter. By halftime, the Koreans maintained a comfortable 57-35 advantage.

However, the Taft-based team kept pace in the fourth quarter as Jacob Cortez opened with a personal 5-0 run, and Phillips scored consecutive baskets to narrow the gap to 14 points, 63-77, midway through the period.

Kean Baclaan completed a three-point play, and Phillips followed up with a putback, making it 72-88. The graduating center then split his free throws before slamming home a steal to cut the deficit to 79-91 with just 1:12 remaining.

Despite a late three-pointer from Cortez, Korea University held firm to seal the victory.

Phillips finished with 30 points in the losing effort, while Baclaan and Cortez contributed 18 and 13 points, respectively.

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World University Basketball Series (WUBS)

The **World University Basketball Series (WUBS)** is an international basketball tournament featuring university teams from around the world, organized to promote global sports exchange and youth development. Established to foster friendly competition and cultural interaction among student-athletes, WUBS often includes teams from Japan, the U.S., and other countries, with ties to organizations like the Japan University Basketball Federation. The event highlights emerging talent while emphasizing sportsmanship and international camaraderie.

Korea University

Korea University, founded in 1905, is one of South Korea’s oldest and most prestigious universities, known for its strong academic programs and research contributions. Established during the Korean Empire as Bosung College, it became a comprehensive university in 1946 and has since played a key role in the country’s modernization and education. Today, it is a leading institution in Asia, renowned for its vibrant campus life and global partnerships.

Green Archers

The “Green Archers” typically refers to the varsity teams of De La Salle University (DLSU) in Manila, Philippines, known for their green and white colors. The name is most famously associated with DLSU’s men’s basketball team, which has a storied history in the UAAP (University Athletic Association of the Philippines), winning multiple championships since the league’s founding in 1938. The Green Archers symbolize the university’s spirit, excellence in sports, and fierce rivalry with other schools, particularly the Ateneo Blue Eagles.

La Salle

La Salle is a comune in the Aosta Valley region of northwestern Italy, known for its picturesque Alpine scenery and rich history. The area has Roman origins and later became a strategic medieval site, featuring landmarks like the *Château d’Entremont*, a 12th-century castle. Today, it attracts visitors for its outdoor activities, traditional festivals, and well-preserved cultural heritage.

Taft-based team

There is no widely known cultural or historical site specifically referred to as the “Taft-based team.” If you are referring to a sports team, organization, or group based in Taft (possibly Taft, California, or another location with that name), please provide more details so I can give an accurate summary. Alternatively, if you meant a different name or context, clarifying that would help!