The Asian Tournament is quickly becoming a playground for Philippine basketball clubs, with the Aces emerging as the latest champions in the league’s Winter Tournament.
The aces defeated the Macau Black Bears, 118-108, in the Leg 3 finals held at Verso International School in Bangkok.
European veteran Sam Deguara, standing at an imposing 7-foot-6, proved instrumental, dominating both ends of the court.
Meanwhile, Denzel Wong delivered another stellar performance, helping the Aces overcome a spirited challenge from the Black Bears during the payoff period to secure a grand sweep of the three-leg tournament.
The Aces also drew significant contributions from key players such as Xavier Alexander, Mascus Elliott, Serhii Pryimak, Oleksandr Kolchenko, Emmanuel Ojuola, Alfren Gayosa, and Macky Acosta.
Under the guidance of head coach Jason Santiago, the Aces clinched the first leg by defeating the Vanta Black Dragons and Binan City Tatak Gel.
Crowning their journey as the newest Filipino champions of the tournament—joining the ranks of Pola RPG and the Zamboanga Valientes—the spotlight belonged to Deguara on championship night.
The Maltese giant delivered a remarkable performance, exploding for 45 points and hauling in 23 rebounds to cap off his memorable run in the fledgling tournament, which attracted notable former NBA and European stars, including DeMarcus Cousins.
Fittingly, Deguara received the World Best Import award during the awarding ceremony, graced by former NBA star and current TAT part-owner Dwight Howard, along with Executive Director Jacque Ruby.
Deguara was also named Finals MVP in the first leg of the tournament.
Overall, the Aces posted an impressive 20 wins in 22 matches.
Denzel Wong earned the Best Local Player award and was also recognized as Finals MVP for Leg 2.
The team also featured former UE standout Marcy Arellano, AJ Vitug, Brian Ilad, and Joe Lacastesantos.
Now in its third edition, the Asian Tournament continues to gain popularity across the Philippines, particularly in cities like Passi, Iloilo, and Binan, Laguna, where local clubs regularly compete.
