DE LA SALLE extended its dominance in the UAAP Collegiate Men’s 3x3 Basketball tournament with a third consecutive title, while Ateneo broke through in the women’s division.
The Green Archers, who entered the Final Four as the fourth seed, leaned on their experience and composure to beat the second-seeded University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigers, 15-12, Sunday at Ayala Malls Manila Bay in Parañaque.
Earlier, the fourth-seeded Blue Eagles completed their remarkable turnaround with a 21-17 (8:20) victory over the third-seeded FEU Lady Tamaraws in the women’s final.
La Salle’s journey to the championship was anything but smooth. After starting with a 1-2 record, the Archers made a key lineup change on Day 3, subbing in Earl Abadam for Vhoris Marasigan. They bounced back and advanced to the playoffs with a 4-3 slate.
In the semifinals, they stunned top-seeded National University, 17-14, to book a ticket to the finals.
“I just want to be a leader by example to my teammates. Just wanted to show that nothing can hold you back if you want it,” said Abadam.
In the championship match, La Salle jumped to an early 11-6 lead and never looked back.
Amiel Acido, a rookie from Perpetual Help, tried to mount a comeback by trimming the lead to three, 15-12, with 1:39 remaining. But the Archers locked in on defense and held on to secure their third straight men’s 3x3 title.
Doy Dungo, who was later named MVP, led the way with seven points, while Abadam added four points and five rebounds. Acido led UST with eight points in the losing effort. UST advanced to the finals after outlasting Adamson in the semis, 16-14.
Kacey delivers again
In the women’s final, Kacey Dela Rosa delivered a stellar performance with 11 points and 10 rebounds to power Ateneo to the title.
“I’m really happy and sana sa 5-on-5 makuha din namin. Pagtratrabahuan namin ‘yun,” said Dela Rosa, the 6-foot center who was later named women’s MVP—her third top individual award in the UAAP.
With the game tied at 17-all, Junize Calago hit a cold-blooded two-pointer with 2:28 left to give Ateneo the lead. On the following possession, Dela Rosa split her free throws to put the Blue Eagles on championship point. She later sealed the win with a layup inside following a defensive stop.
Ateneo dethroned defending champion UST in the semifinals, 14-10, with Dela Rosa registering seven points and 12 boards. FEU, on the other hand, edged second-seeded UP, 13-12, to make the final.
In the men’s bronze medal match, Ray Allen Torres hit the game-winner with 9:52.2 remaining, lifting Adamson to a 21-20 win over NU.
The scores:
Men’s Final
DLSU 15 - Dungo 7, Abadam 4, Macalalag 2, Gollena 2.
UST 12 - Acido 8, Danting 3, Crisostomo 1, Mahmood 0.
Women’s Final
Ateneo 21 - Dela Rosa 11, Calago 7, Oani 3, Lopez 0.
FEU 17 - Salvani 9, Villanueva 4, Dela Torre 3, Lopez 1.
Time: Dela Rosa (8:20)
Men’s 3rd Place Game
ADU 21 - Torres 8, Manzano 8, Canete 3, Anabo 2.
NU 20 - Manansala 9, Enriquez 7, Palacielo 4, Figueroa 0.
Time: Torres (9:52.2)
Women’s 3rd Place Game
UST 15 - Maglupay 7, Pastrana 5, Soriano 3, Sierba 0.
UP 14 - Ozar 5, Bariquit 4, Maw 3, Pesquera 2.
Men’s Semis 1
DLSU 17 - Abadam 11, Gollena 3, Macalalag 2, Dungo 1.
NU 14 - Palacielo 7, Enriquez 4, Figueroa 2, Manansala 1.
Men’s Semis 2
UST 16 - Crisostomo 5, Acido 4, Danting 4, Mahmood 3.
ADU 14 - Torres 7, Manzano 7, Canete 0, Anabo 0.
Women’s Semis 1
Ateneo 14 - Dela Rosa 7, Calago 4, Lopez 3, Oani 0.
UST 10 - Pastrana 4, Maglupay 3, Soriano 3, Sierba 0.
Women’s Semis 2
FEU 13 - Dela Torre 5, Villanueva 3, Salvani 3, Lopez 2.
UP 12 - Pesquera 4, Maw 3, Bariquit 3, Ozar 2.
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