Ateneo holds off Benilde to rule AsiaBasket tilt

Reigning UAAP champion Ateneo de Manila University held off De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde, 60-57, to claim the title in 2023 Bola.TV AsiaBasket Las Piñas Championship on Sunday at the Villar Coliseum.

The win capped what had been a dominant run by the Blue Eagles, who swept the tournament with a 7-0 slate.

Ian Espinosa unleashed 15 points off the bench alongside two rebounds, two steals, and one assist while Kai Ballungay was stellar with a double-double of 12 markers and 10 boards, along with one block.

After a tight contest in the first half, which saw the Katipunan-based crew lead, 33-29, the gap started to widen late in the third period when Ateneo big man Joseph Obasa buried a layup for a 48-37 cushion.

But Benilde fought back with back-to-back baskets from NCAA MVP Will Gozum helping Benilde regain the lead, 51-50, early in the payoff period before Espinosa drilled a three-pointer to give Ateneo a 59-53 lead in the final 2:25.

Gozum still made a basket with 46 ticks left to cut their deficit to three, 60-57, but teammate Prince Carlos missed out on his last triple attempt as Ateneo completed the victory.

Gozum paced Benilde with 12 points, four rebounds, two assists, two steals, and one block while Robi Nayve chipped in 11 markers, five boards, and three dimes.

Meanwhile, Sanzar Pharmaceuticals settled for third place after defeating Corsa Tires, 95-88, in their battle for third. Raoul Odou poured in 21 points, 18 rebounds, and seven assists to tow his side.

—Bea Micaller/JMB, GMA Integrated News