UAAP: Nash Racela, Mike Phillips explain 'spur of the moment' exchange 

The Final Four race in UAAP Season 88 continues to heat up.

Amid a heated matchup between De La Salle University and Adamson University, tensions rose during the final moments of the third quarter.

As La Salle guard EJ Gollena sank a three-pointer, several things unfolded at once, including Manu Anabo taking the wind out of Vhoris Marasigan’s sails while boxing out.

While Marasigan was recovering on the court, Adamson head coach Nash Racela approached the La Salle guard to seemingly check on his condition.

Words were then exchanged between Racela and La Salle forward Mike Phillips.

When asked about what happened, Racela recalled his understanding of the situation.

“Sinabihan ako ni Phillips, ‘Tumahimik ka muna, coach.’ ’Yun lang naman sinabi niya. So parang, I was really surprised because he talks a lot about God. Then all of a sudden lumabas ’yun sa bibig niya,” Racela said.

When the dust settled, the referees penalized Anabo with an unsportsmanlike foul for his actions toward Marasigan, while Racela received a technical foul due to his interaction with Phillips.

Racela acknowledged that tense moments like these can occur—especially when the stakes are at their highest.

“But I understand, that’s a spur-of-the-moment thing. Maybe he felt that’s what they needed to get the victory. So if ever he was wrong during that time or not, I’m sure he will realize that,” he said.

Phillips, meanwhile, clarified that he had no malicious intent.

“It wasn’t really malicious or anything,” Phillips said, adding that he only wanted to look after his teammate as well.

“I’ve got a lot of respect for Coach Nash. It was a spur-of-the-moment thing,” he said.

“It was also not on him. I'm sure I have my fault as well, but I’m sure that’s just part of the game.”

—JKC, GMA Integrated News