Photo: UAAP Media Bureau

By Cyreel Zarate

Adamson head coach Nash Racela explained the verbal exchange between him and, unexpectedly, La Salle skipper Mike Phillips following the Soaring Falcons' crucial 61–60 win on Wednesday in the UAAP Season 88 men's basketball tournament at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Racela was seen engaging with Green Archers fans on the sideline during the third period when Phillips allegedly stepped in and threw a snide remark at the coach.

“[Mike] Phillips told me, ‘Just shut up for now, coach,’” Racela said in Filipino.

That caught Racela off guard, considering Phillips has often been vocal about his faith.

“I was really surprised because he talks a lot about God, and then all of a sudden, that came out of his mouth,” Racela said.

“But I understand. That was a spur-of-the-moment thing. Those were probably his emotions. Maybe he felt that’s what they needed to get the victory.”

Phillips, however, has since denied the allegations.

Asked whether he expects an apology, Racela said it depends on Phillips’ conscience.

“I don’t know if he was wrong or not at that time, but if he was, I’m sure he will realize it. He has his Lord to ask forgiveness from, right?” Racela said.

“The Lord forgives all of us when we make mistakes.”

With the win, Adamson boosted its Final Four bid, improving to 6–7.

La Salle, meanwhile, slipped to 6–6.