Ateneo repeats as PCCL kings after subduing San Beda in the finale

SAN JUAN -- In what was the biggest test to end their glorious season, Ateneo passed it with flying colors as they came from six points down to subdue San Beda, 57-46 and retain the Philippine Collegiate Champions League-National Collegiate Championship at the FilOil FlyingV Centre Sunday afternoon.

Already made history after sweeping their way to the UAAP Men's Basketball crown last year, Tab Baldwin's sidehad to put up the same intensity that won them 20 previous games, defeating the Red Lions in a grindout for their fifth NCC title that cemented their claim as the best collegiate team in the country by winning all five games in the tournament.

Slotman Angelo Kouame filled in with a monster double-double of 17 points and 17 rebounds to lead the spotless Blue Eagles, who ended their season with an unbeaten 21-0 record, despite not playing in the FilOil FlyingV Preaseason Cup.

With the rest of the team struggling after being held to just five third quarter points by the stinging San Beda defense, spitfire guard SJ Belangel took over in the fourth, scoring all of his 10 points there to kickstart their final fightback to retain the title.

Reigning NCAA MVP Calvin Oftana had 14 to lead San Beda, who were leading by 6 on a James Canlas lay-up with 7:23 remaining in the game.

However, Ateneo responded with a 17-1 blitz that took the title back to Katipunan, including the last 12 points of the championship game,

The scores:

ATENEO 57 -- Kouame 17, Mallillin 11, Belangel 10, Daves 6, Navarro 6, Fornilos 3, Mamuyac 2, E. Ramos 2, Credo 0, Tio 0, Chiu 0

SAN BEDA 46 -- Oftana 14, Carino 8, Penuela 7, Bahio 6, Alfaro 4, Canlas 4, Cuntapay 3, Abuda 0, Etrada 0, Villejo 0, Ejercito 0, Ratuiste 0

Quarter scores: 18-17, 34-25, 39-41, 57-46

Photo by Kevin Estrada