3-for-3: La Salle claims UAAP 3×3 men’s basketball 3-peat; Ateneo takes women’s crown

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The La Salle Green Archers lean on Doy Dungo and Earl Abadam to clinch their third consecutive UAAP 3x3 basketball crown, as the Kacey dela Rosa-led Ateneo contingent rises up as queens of the women's tourney

MANILA, Philippines – The kings of the halfcourt stay in La Salle.

De La Salle University’s trio Doy Dungo, Earl Abadam, EJ Gollena, and JC Macalalag brought the Green Archers their third straight UAAP 3×3 basketball title after taking down the UST Growling Tigers in the Season 87 finals, 15-12, at the Ayala Malls Manila Bay on Sunday, May 4.

La Salle leaned on Dungo, who had 7 points in the final game, to take the tournament’s MVP nod.

Meanwhile, Abadam, who was also part of last year’s 3×3 contingent, had 4 points, but provided the most impact on the defensive end to help La Salle get another title.

“I just want to be a leader by example to my teammates. Just wanted to show that nothing can hold you back if you want it,” he said.

Abadam now holds three UAAP championships, winning one in the 5-on-5 scene in Season 86, and two more in the 3×3 discipline.

“Man, it’s surreal. Three championships with La Salle is just something that kids only dream of. By God’s grace, we are here,” Abadam, who subbed in for Vhoris Marasigan in the middle of the tournament, said.

“There’s a proverb in the Bible that says, ‘As a man thinks in his heart, so is he.’ If you want something, you can achieve it.”

La Salle led early, 3-0, and never looked back as the Archers kept the Tigers at bay for the rest of the game to eke out the win.

Amiel Acido took charge for UST with 8 points and 8 rebounds, but his efforts could not put the Tigers over the hump. Ice Danting added 3 markers, while Gelo Crisostomo had 1 in the loss.

Meanwhile, the Ateneo Blue Eagles ruled the women’s tournament, winning their first-ever 3×3 title after beating the FEU Lady Tamaraws in the finals, 21-17.

Reigning 5-on-5 basketball MVP Kacey Dela Rosa had 11 points, and 10 rebounds in the final game to be named the women’s 3×3 MVP this year.

“This is a big help for me to improve my individual skills and play in different settings,” she said.

Dela Rosa will also be representing the Philippines in the FIBA 3×3 Nations League and the Manila leg of the FIBA 3×3 Women’s Series as part of the Gilas Women U23 squad.
Seng Calago and Kai Oani put up seven and three points each to finish the Blue Eagles’ 3×3 campaign with a historic title.

In the boys division, FEU-Diliman retained its UAAP High School Boys’ 3×3 Basketball championship after sweeping the tournament, taking down NU in the finals, 16-15.

Cabs Cabonillas carried FEU with 7 points in the finals, while Liam Salangsang added six to remain champions in the discipline.

Meanwhile, the Ateneo Blue Eagles also completed a sweep in the juniors division, beating the UST Tiger Cubs in the finals, 22-19.

Sky Jazul, son of PBA player RJ Jazul, lifted the Blue Eagles on his shoulders, erupting for 11 points to lead Ateneo to the title.

Alongside Jazul was 5-on-5 MVP Zane Kallos, and Yj Lacsamana. – Rappler.com