Ateneo de Manila University will once again host archrival De La Salle University on its home floor, as the two squads collide in the 2025 Asiabasket College Campus Tour Final on Sunday at the Moro Lorenzo Gym.
The Green Archers and the Blue Eagles advanced to the championship round after dispatching separate foes on Saturday, setting up a rematch at 4 p.m. in the same venue.
La Salle edged National University, 102-100, in a tightly contested battle, while Ateneo outlasted San Beda University in overtime, 89-88.
The Green Archers held a 10-point lead, 99-89, with under three minutes left in regulation before the Bulldogs stormed back.
Jolo Manansala, Paul Francisco, PJ Palacielo, Steve Nash Enriquez, and Tebol Garcia strung together clutch baskets to trim the deficit to 100-98 with 27 seconds remaining.
Mason Amos tried to stem the tide by splitting his free throws, but Palacielo responded with a trademark floater to bring NU within one, 101-100.
Kean Baclaan then split his own charities on the other end, giving the Bulldogs one last chance.
However, Palacielo missed a short jumper at the buzzer, sealing the win for La Salle.
Meanwhile, Ateneo found itself trailing 86-85 in overtime before the duo of Shawn Tuano and Kymani Ladi stepped up.
The pair scored key baskets to put the Blue Eagles ahead by three with 1:30 remaining.
Despite a few late-game miscues, Ateneo came up with the crucial stops to secure the win and a place in the finals.
La Salle previously defeated Ateneo in the elimination round, 95-92, also held at the same Katipunan venue.
Baclaan led the Archers with 20 points, four rebounds, and four assists, while Amos added 16 points on an efficient 5-of-8 shooting.
Earl Abadam and Jacob Cortez chipped in 15 points apiece, while team captain Mike Phillips registered a double-double with 11 points and 14 rebounds.
NCAA Season 100 Juniors MVP Lebron Jhames Daep also made his much-awaited debut, contributing six points in 11 minutes of action.
Tuano spearheaded Ateneo’s attack with 22 points, while Divine Adili added 17 points and six rebounds.
Jared Bahay nearly tallied a triple-double, finishing with 12 points, nine assists, and eight boards. Ladi provided a solid inside presence with 10 points and 12 rebounds.
NU and San Beda will now face off in the bronze medal match.
Ajanti Miller led the Red Lions with 20 points and 10 rebounds, while Jomel Puno contributed 15 points and seven boards.
Manansala paced the Bulldogs with 21 points, followed by Palacielo’s efficient 18-point outing on 8-of-10 shooting.
Enriquez held the Bulldogs together with a double-double of 11 points and 10 assists.
