The De La Salle University Green Archers narrowly defeated their rival, the Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles, with a score of 86-83, clinching the 38th Kadayawan Invitational Basketball Tournament crown in a thrilling showdown on Sunday night at the University of Southeastern Philippines Gymnasium in Davao City.
The Green Archers, however, nearly gave the game away to the Blue Eagles as they saw their 82-70 lead late in the fourth quarter cut to 81-83 courtesy of a furious 11-1 scoring run by Ateneo.
DLSU’s Evan Nelle then muffed his two free throw attempts, but Ateneo failed to capitalize as they missed a shot that could have sent the championship game into overtime.
For winning the pocket tournament, the Michael “Topex” Robinson-mentored Green Archers took home the top prize of P100, 000.
The Green Archers went to work early behind Nelle and Mark Nonoy to build a 19-11 advantage, but the Blue Eagles countered with a huge run to knot the score at 22-all before DLSU closed the first quarter with a 27-22 lead.
DLSU went on to build a 32-22 lead early in the second period following conversions from Nelle, Kevin Quiambao, and Cyrus Austria, but Ateneo had another rally as they cut the deficit to 46-50 at the half.
The game was still tight for both teams in the third quarter before DLSU went on a run for a 75-66 lead, which later grew to its largest at 80-68 with over seven minutes left in the game.
Both schools are using the pocket tournament as part of their preparation for the UAAP Season 86 men’s seniors basketball tournament, where the Blue Eagles are the defending champions.
