Ateneo de Manila University waged a torrid rally before conking out down the stretch to surrender a 78-86 setback to reigning champion 3D Global Sports of Canada in the 40th William Jones Cup at the Xinzhuang stadium in New Taipei City, Taiwan.
After trailing 14-41 early in the second quarter, the Blue Eagles came out flying in the third period and outscored the Canadians, 27-17 to trim the deficit to 14, 54-68, entering the final canto.
The Blue Eagles launched another rally capped by Matt Nieto’s charities to make it a six-point battle, 76-82, in the final one-minute mark.
But Ateneo gambled on fouling Alex Campbell, who calmly sank two pressure-packed free throws to capture an 84-76 separation with only 47 seconds to go.
Nieto fired back with a quick jumper for a 78-84 count, but Thirdy Ravena muffed a wide-open three-pointer that doomed their chances to run away with their second victory in this prestigious annual invitational tourney.
The Blue Eagles now fashion a 1-2 win-loss slate following a victory to Chinese Taipei White in the opener and setbacks to the Koreans and Canadians, respectively.
Four Blue Eagles emerged with double figures led by Gilas cadet Nieto with 18 points while Ravena had 12 markers, nine rebounds and two blocks for Ateneo, the reigning University Athletic Association of the Philippines men’s basketball champion.
Meanwhile, Shaquille Keith tallied 18 points, six rebounds and five assists for 3D Global Sport, which has yet to lose in this tournament in four matches.
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