Ateneo de Manila University completed its sweep of the inaugural World University Basketball Series, defeating Tokai University, 68-59, Thursday at the Yoyogi National Stadium in Tokyo, Japan.
Dave Ildefonso led Ateneo with 12 points.
The Blue Eagles also defeated Indonesia’s Universitas Pelita Harapan (125-39) and Chinese Taipei’s National Chengchi University (88-78).
But like their game against the Griffins yesterday, the Blue Eagles needed to dig deep against the Seagulls.
Clinging to a 43-41 heading into the final frame, Ateneo turned to its defense to shackle the hosts in a 17-4 spurt.
Still needing to work on their press break, the young Blue Eagles committed lapses late as Tokai was able to cut the lead down to six, 65-59, with under 30 seconds left.
Kai Ballungay and Sean Quitevis converted on clutch free throws to seal off the Japanese team.
Dave Ildefonso led he way for Ateneo with 14 points, six rebounds, two assists, and two steals.
Forthsky Padrigao, Josh Lazaro, BJ Andrade, and Paul Garcia all contributed eight markers apiece while Geo Chiu anchored the defense with six points and 15 rebounds.
Hiroki Matsuzaki led Japan with 16 points and five rebounds while Koyo Nishida chimed 13 points built on four treys.
Up next for Ateneo is a camp in Israel.
The Scores:
Ateneo 68 – Ildefonso 14, Padrigao 8, Lazaro 8, Garcia 8, Andrade 8, Chiu 6, Obasa 6, Ballungay 5, Quitevis 3, Koon 2, Fetalvero 0, Gomez 0.
Tokai 59 – Matsuzaki 16, Nishida K. 13, Kodama 9, Kanechika 9, Maeno 4, Motoda 3, Kurokawa 2, Shimatani 2, Zhang 1, Lawrence 0, Nishida Y. 0.
Quarterscores: 14-16, 28-26, 43-41, 68-59.
