Ateneo wins Pinoyliga Collegiate Cup title

REIGNING UAAP champion Ateneo Blue Eagles outlasted the National University Bulldogs 65-63 in an exciting titular showdown to rule the Pinoyliga Collegiate Cup on Thursday, June 29, at the Villar Coliseum in Las Piñas City.

Ateneo went undefeated in 10 games, including an 8-0 record in the group stage of the tournament backed by Pinoyliga, Kick-Start Coffee, Slicktight Pomade, Antbox, Smart, Ducksports, Exile Lights and Sound and Excellent Print.

Mason Amos scored the game’s biggest basket, a three-pointer off a Kai Ballungay assist to give Ateneo a 65-63 lead with 1:41 remaining in the game.

SEASON FAVORITE The Ateneo team poses with the trophy after ruling the Pinoyliga Collegiate Cup on Thursday, June 29, 2023, at the Villar Coliseum in Las Piñas City. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO 

The Bulldogs tried to turn things around, but Paul Francisco missed an open three-pointer with six seconds remaining that would have given them the lead.

Ballungay, who was named the Finals MVP, led the Blue Eagles with nine points, four rebounds and two steals, Geo Chiu added eight points and five boards while Amos also scored eight points to go along with three boards.

Prior to beating NU, Ateneo played in a test event for the FIBA World Cup Wednesday night, defeating NCAA titlist Letran 90-85. The Katipunan-based squad has actually played a third straight day as it overpowered Emilio Aguinaldo College 97-60 in the semifinals on Tuesday.

Mohammed Diassana had 12 points and eight rebounds while PJ Palacielo and Francisco added nine and eight points, respectively, for the Bulldogs.

Jolo Manansala hit a go-ahead triple for a 63-62 NU lead, paving the way for an exciting final two minutes.

For the second straight season, Clint Escamis of Mapua became the season MVP, averaging 12.4 points, 4.8 rebounds, 5.11 assists and 2.11 steals per game.

The Best Newcomer award went to San Beda’s Bryan Sajonia, who is also in the All-Transferee Team along with Allen Liwag (Benilde), Anton Eusebio (Benilde), Tony Ynot (Benilde) and Donn Lim (NU).

The All-Rookie Team is composed of Francis “LeBron” Lopez (UP), Reinhard Jumamoy (NU), Shawn Argente (JRU), Mason Amos (Ateneo) and EJ Gollena (DLSU).

Ballungay and Escamis were also named to the Pinoyliga First Five along with Kingsley Ududo (Guang Ming), Allen Liwag (St. Benilde) and Bryan Sajonia (San Beda).