Reigning UAAP champion Ateneo de Manila University held off De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde, 60-57, to say the title in 2023 Bola.TV AsiaBasket Las Piñas Championship on Sunday on the Villar Coliseum.
The win capped what had been a dominant run by the Blue Eagles, who swept the event with a 7-0 slate.
Ian Espinosa unleashed 15 factors off the bench alongside two rebounds, two steals, and one help whereas Kai Ballungay was stellar with a double-double of 12 markers and 10 boards, together with one block.
After a decent contest within the first half, which noticed the Katipunan-based crew lead, 33-29, the hole began to widen late within the third interval when Ateneo massive man Joseph Obasa buried a layup for a 48-37 cushion.
But Benilde fought again with back-to-back baskets from NCAA MVP Will Gozum serving to Benilde regain the lead, 51-50, early within the payoff interval earlier than Espinosa drilled a three-pointer to present Ateneo a 59-53 lead within the ultimate 2:25.
Gozum nonetheless made a basket with 46 ticks left to chop their deficit to 3, 60-57, however teammate Prince Carlos missed out on his final triple try as Ateneo accomplished the victory.
Gozum paced Benilde with 12 factors, 4 rebounds, two assists, two steals, and one block whereas Robi Nayve chipped in 11 markers, 5 boards, and three dimes.
Meanwhile, Sanzar Pharmaceuticals settled for third place after defeating Corsa Tires, 95-88, of their battle for third. Raoul Odou poured in 21 factors, 18 rebounds, and 7 assists to tow his facet.
—Bea Micaller/JMB, GMA Integrated News
Source: www.gmanetwork.com
