Ateneo rips Sydney by 38 to kick off WUBS title defense bid

Ateneo de Manila University dismantled the University of Sydney as the defending champions from the Philippines pulled off a statement 88-50 victory in the 2023 World University Basketball Series on Friday in Japan.

Kai Ballungay took charge for the reigning UAAP champions, exploding from deep with back-to-back triples that sent the Blue Eagles to a 62-34 lead at the halfway mark of the third period.

Big man Geo Chiu soared for a slam off an assist from Jason Credo before Paul Garcia and Mason Amos drilled a three-pointer each as Ateneo ended the frame enjoying a comfortable 70-38 lead.

Shawn Tuano finished it off for Ateneo, sinking three freebies before igniting for two consecutive triples, 81-44, late in the fourth.

Amos led with 17 points while Ballungay and Credo finished with 13 and 10 markers, respectively.

Ateneo is looking to complete back-to-back WUBS titles after ruling the previous edition with an unbeaten run.

—Bea Micaller/JMB/KG, GMA Integrated News