Archers march on without Amos, clash with Red Warriors

La Salle is counting on Michael Phillips to steady the ship.

UAAP Media Bureau

MANILA, Philippines — Sink or swim.

Sans injured forward Mason Amos, La Salle takes on the listless University of the East in a must-win duel to stay afloat ahead of an even tougher clash with reigning champion UP to end the first round in the UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball tournament Wednesday at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Game time is at 1 p.m. as the Green Archers try to prime up for the finals rematch against the Fighting Maroons on Sunday amid the piling woes in their title redemption tour — without the 6-foot-7 Filipino-Aussie and in the thick of a losing skid.

At 5 p.m., University of Santo Tomas (4-1) battles Far Eastern University (1-4) to forge a tie with NU (5-1) on top.

“As long as we have life, we have chance," vowed the embattled Topex Robinson after the confirmation of Amos’ MCL Injury on his right knee.

"That’s just the situation now we’re with the team. Yes, we’re down but with so many games to come, you could never cut us out of this scenario.”

Amos suffered the injury on Sunday late in the Green Archers’ 82-78 loss to the Bulldogs to fall outside the Top Four with a 2-3 slate, a stark difference to their hot starts in the last two seasons marked by finals appearances and a title in Season 86.

He will be out at least a month but the recovery could be longer, likely leaving Robinson with a crippled crew for the rest of the second round as they fight for dear life in a flat start to its hopeful season following the availability of Amos from Ateneo as well as other recruits Kean Baclaan (NU) and Jacob Cortez (San Beda) from residency.

La Salle also admitted that it’s still adjusting without two-time MVP Kevin Quiambao for the first time after his graduation and jump to pros in Korea but that should not be enough reasons for them to surrender their bows and arrows — not now and ever.

“There is no way for us but to keep on persevering and keep on fighting. We could have all the reasons to just die, but that’s the least of our priorities right now,” added Robinson, counting on skipper Mike Phillips to steady the ship.

Standing on their way is a hungry Red Warriors unit out for a breakthrough under new mentor Chris Gavina amidst a 0-5 start and an 11-game dry spell since last season.