ATENEO De Manila University outlasted La Salle Greenhills in a much-anticipated Next Generation Basketball League (NGBL) matchup that lived up to its billing, to say the least.
The Blue Eagles got one over the Greenies, 85-83, during their rivalry bout on Sunday at the Tanduay Gym in Manila and leading the way for ADMU was World Balance Player of the Game Ethan Kaw.
“Of course, yung rivalry is there,” said Kaw, who had 14 points, two rebounds, and a block in the league that is presented by URATEX, Jollibee, Strong Group Athletics, and in partnership with JETOUR, World Balance, and Molten as official game ball.
“But we treated this like a normal game. We did our job, and we executed our plays. I’m happy that we pulled out this win. It shows that our hard work and determination paid off,” added the young ace.
The historic Ateneo-La Salle indeed extended in the NGBL for the two teams went wire-to-wire in the fourth frame as when LSGH was down by one, 79-78, Guillian Quines hit a tough mid-range jumper to overtake their counterparts by one at the 1:20 mark.
Kaw then retaliated with four straight points that included a long-range jumper with only 38 ticks left in the contest, while Chris Urbina went 50% from the 15-foot-line to create an 84-80 cushion with only 22 on the game clock.
Gian Gomez answered with a triple to get the Greenies to within one, 84-83, but that was the closest that they could get as Ateneo escaped with their second in in four games in the league that is supported by Team Rebel Sports Pilipinas as official league outfitter, RICA UPVC Aluminum Glass and Trading Corp., Verleo Catering as official caterer, and Tanduay Athletics.
On the other hand, James Ison led La Salle with 19 markers, while Quines and Arle Podador had 16 points each.
Meanwhile, University of Santo Tomas is a win away from officially clinching a playoff spot in the league that is also supported by MET Food Corporation, official hydration partners Gatorade & Summit Natural Drinking Water, Converge as official internet provider, and Crocs.
The Tiger Cubs dominated MGC New Life Christian Academy, 134-45, with the España-based team resetting the NGBL’s new tournament high which was previously held by University of Perpetual Help System DALTA and Lyceum of the Philippines University–105.
The Manu Iñigo-mentored team, whose boys also set the tournament’s biggest winning margin at 89, was led by Ron Jay Catalan who had 23 points, three assists, two rebounds, and two steals.
