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Back to its old shot-stopping ways, back in control and just one win away from a repeat championship.

Reigning champion La Salle turned to Mike Phillips in lieu of the struggling MVP Kevin Quiambao as the Archers fended off the Far Eastern U Tamaraws, 58-53, and stay on course to securing the No. 1 seed in the UAAP Season 87 men’s basketball yesterday at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Nineteen top-caliber Filipino athletes made it to the list of individuals joining Ayala Foundation’s Atletang Ayala program, which supports their sports training while offering opportunities for career development in the Ayala Group.

With no height restriction for imports, the coming PBA Commissioner’s Cup will be a playground for giants but tried-and-tested veterans Justin Brownlee and Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, both under 6-6, are likely to be back even if they’re undersized. Blackwater’s returning import George King, who’s 6-4 1/2, flew in last Monday morning and he’s not worried about matching up against towering opposition.

One win away from the throne.