MANILA – De La Salle University Green Archers overcame a tough stand by Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles for an 89-77 victory and rule the Asiabasket College Campus Tour Finals at the Moro Lorenzo Gym.
Jacob Cortez spearheaded the offense with 21 points, including three three-point conversions, to go with six assists, two rebounds, and a steal to be named Finals MVP for the Green Archers.
“It feels good (to be named Finals MVP) in one of my first tournaments with DLSU, but credit also to my teammates and the coaching staff. I just got my energy from them,” Cortez said in a post-game interview.
Michael Phillips added a double-double of 12 points and 14 rebounds along with two steals and two blocks, while Kean Baclaan and Elaijah Gollena contributed 11 apiece for DLSU.
The Green Archers led by as many as 16 points in the opening half before the Blue Eagles slowly clawed their way back to cut the deficit to 61-65 midway through the fourth quarter on two free throws by Shawn Tuaño.
DLSU, however, responded with a 11-2 scoring run behind back-to-back inside hits from Phillips, a three-pointer from Cortez, and another basket from Gollena to stretch the lead to 76-63.
Kymani Ladi top-scored for the Blue Eagles with 22 points, including three three-pointers, Tuaño added 17 markers, while Divine Adili posted a double-double of 13 points and 13 rebounds.
Meanwhile, National University Bulldogs claimed the third place trophy after a 77-75 victory over San Beda University Red Lions. Gelo Santiago led the Bulldogs with 15 points, while Mark Parks added 12 markers./PN
