National University remained invincible until the final buzzer, fending off Adamson University in the final, 73-64, to cap off its title sweep in the 2024 ANTA Asiabasket International Championship on Tuesday at Enderun Colleges in Taguig.
The Bulldogs seized the throne without dropping a single game, going undefeated in the group stage with an impressive 4-0 record before dominating San Beda in the quarterfinals and Far Eastern University in the semis.
Under head coach Jeff Napa’s guidance, NU turned a 42-32 halftime lead into a 52-34 advantage in the third period, with Jolo Manansala heating up on offense.
Adamson attempted to mount a comeback with a 9-0 run of its own, but NU still enjoyed a 63-50 cushion heading into the fourth.
Emman Anabo and Joshua Yerro injected life into Adamson by each knocking down a three-pointer to cut the deficit to single digits, 68-59.
However, the Soaring Falcons couldn’t capitalize on the momentum, even with Manansala briefly sidelined due to cramps at the 7:21 mark. Steve Nash Enriquez’s three-pointer proved to be the dagger for the Bulldogs.
Manansala’s breakout game saw him top-scoring for NU with 18 points, while Enriquez contributed 14 markers en route to earning Finals MVP honors.
In the battle for third place, De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde squandered an early lead but held on in the endgame to secure an 84-77 victory against the undermanned Far Eastern University.
Veejay Pre headlined the ANTA Asiabasket International Championship Mythical Team, joined by AJ Fransman of Adamson, Jonathan Nchekwube of NFU, Jake Figueroa of NU, and his teammate JR Pasaol.
