UAAP: La Salle, UST rule Season 88 3x3 basketball

De La Salle University and University of Santo Tomas ruled the men’s and women’s divisions, respectively, of the UAAP Season 88 3x3 basketball tournament.

The Green Archers defeated rivals Ateneo de Manila University, 21-18, in the men’s finals to secure their fourth straight 3x3 title.

Luis Pablo powered La Salle with 13 points, leading the Taft-based squad to victory.

Holding a slim 16-15 lead, Pablo knocked down two free throws and a jumper to give La Salle a four-point cushion. Shawn Tuano responded with a two-pointer to keep Ateneo within striking distance, but Pablo delivered again to restore control with just over a minute left.

Tuano kept Ateneo alive with another basket, but Pablo sealed the win with a layup with 36.1 seconds remaining.

“Sobrang grateful lang at ang sarap sa feeling na nag-pay off ‘yung pinaghirapan namin,” said Pablo, who was named Most Valuable Player.

Earl Abadam added five points, while Jcee Macalalag chipped in three. EJ Gollena and Doy Dungo rounded out La Salle’s 3x3 lineup.

Tuano led Ateneo with eight points in their runner-up finish, while National University claimed bronze after a 17-13 win over Adamson University.

In the women’s division, the Growling Tigresses also captured the 3x3 crown after a dominant 21-11 victory over Far Eastern University.

Coi Danganan led UST with nine points, while Kent Pastrana capped her collegiate career by earning Most Valuable Player honors.

Ateneo settled for bronze, with Gilas Pilipinas 3x3 standout Kacey Dela Rosa scoring 12 points in a 16-14 win over Adamson in the battle for third.

—JKC, GMA News