The La Salle Green Archers chalked up their first win in the 19th FilOil EcoOil Preseason Cup thanks to a game-winning triple by Mason Amos that shot down the UST Growling Tigers, 79-78. Afterward, he credited his work ethic and practice habits for his game-winning three-point shot.
“It’s just repetitions really. It’s just like in practice where I always live by a saying, ‘You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take,’” said Amos during the post-game interview with the media.
In a tightly contested game from start to finish, the stretch five of the Green Archers held on to his beliefs to get past the gritty UST Growling Tigers.
“My motto is even if you see one miss, just keep shooting,” said the UAAP Season 88 champion.
Amos played 22 minutes and logged 13 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists, and 1 steal, while shooting 2-of-4 from beyond the arc.
Amos Ready for Bigger Role for La Salle in UAAP Season 89
Amos, who missed a big chunk of UAAP Season 88 due to an MCL injury, was inevitably asked about filling in the massive hole left by Finals MVP Mike Phillips, who’s now playing professionally in the MPBL. In so many words, the sweet-shooting big acknowledged that no single player will be able to replace Phillips. Instead, it will take a collective effort from everyone, according to Amos.
“You know you can’t really replicate what Mike [Philips] brought to the team. However, we can always do it as a team instead of being just individual,” said the former Ateneo Blue Eagle. “We always talked about collective effort, and that’s the only way we can really fill the hole of Mike Philips.”
One of those who’ll be called on to play a bigger role in La Salle’s title defense is Amos, who already knows one area where he’ll need to be better at now that Phillips is gone.
“For my role, it’s just to do what I can and help out with the rebounds—that’s a big factor, not just points. Mike was also dominant with the boards,” Amos pointed out.
Amos, of course, hasn’t been known to be a prolific rebounder. But best believe that he’ll be working on that aspect of his game—along with that sweet stroke, for sure. And he’s got the entire offseason and tournaments like the 19th FilOil EcoOil Preseason Cup to do just that.
