Ateneo de Manila University could not conclude its 2023 World University Basketball Series campaign on a high note, succumbing to Radford University, 68-77, in the third-place match on Sunday at Yoyogi National Gymnasium in Tokyo, Japan.
The Blue Eagles wrapped up their time in Japan with a 2-2 record. They secured a victory in an exhibition game against the Jones Cup-bound JUBF selection, triumphing 70-69, and emerged victorious against the University of Sydney in the quarterfinals with a score of 88-50.
However, the defending champions of both this tournament and the UAAP faced a setback, suffering a 73-58 defeat at the hands of Hakuoh that eliminated them from contention.
In the bronze medal match, Ateneo found itself trailing by as many as 21 points, 57-36, with a little over three minutes remaining in the third quarter.
Mason Amos and Gab Gomez discovered their shooting rhythm from beyond the arc, leading Ateneo in a rally that narrowed the Radford lead to six points, 66-60.
An intense exchange of baskets prevented the Blue Eagles from further reducing the deficit.
A crucial tip-in by Dominique Pierce, followed by an interior basket from Chandler Turner, provided the Highlanders with a 74-64 advantage that proved insurmountable.
In the other semifinal game held yesterday, Radford had suffered a defeat against National Chengchi University, with a final score of 79-75.
