La Salle bags 3-peat; Blue Eagles prevail

De La Salle University extended its dominance in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) men’s 3x3 basketball tournament with a third consecutive title while Ateneo de Manila University broke through in the women’s division.

The Green Archers, who entered the Final Four as the fourth seed, leaned on their experience and composure to upset the second-seeded University of Santo Tomas (UST), 15-12, at Ayala Malls Manila Bay in Parañaque late Sunday.

Earlier, the fourth-seeded Blue Eagles completed their remarkable turnaround with a 21-17 (8:20) victory over the third-seeded Far Eastern University in the women’s final.

La Salle’s journey to the championship was anything but smooth. After starting with a 1-2 record, the Green Archers made a key lineup change on Day 3, subbing in Earl Abadam for Vhoris Marasigan. They bounced back and advanced to the playoffs with a 4-3 slate.

In the semifinals, they stunned top-seeded National University, 17-14, to book a ticket to the finals.

“I just want to be a leader by example to my teammates. Just wanted to show that nothing can hold you back if you want it,” Abadam said.

“There’s a proverb in the Bible that says, ‘As a man thinks in his heart, so is he.’ If you want something, you can achieve it.”

In the championship match, La Salle jumped to an early 11-6 lead and never looked back.

UST rookie Amiel Acido tried to mount a comeback by trimming the lead to three, 15-12, with 1:39 remaining. But the Archers locked in on defense and held on to secure their third straight men’s 3x3 title.

“Man, it’s surreal. Three championships with La Salle is just something that kids only dream of. By God’s grace, we are here,” said Abadam, who also has one 5-on-5 championship under his belt and is now a two-time 3x3 champion.

Jacob Dungo, who was later named Finals Most Valuable Player, led the way with seven points, while Abadam added four points and five rebounds.

Acido led UST with eight points in the losing effort. The Growling Tigers advanced to the finals after outlasting Adamson University in the semis, 16-14.

In the women’s final, Kacey Dela Rosa delivered a stellar performance with 11 points and 10 rebounds to power Ateneo to the title.

With the game tied at 17-all, Junize Calago hit a cold-blooded two-pointer with 2:28 left to give Ateneo the lead. On the following possession, Dela Rosa split her free throws to put the Blue Eagles on championship point.