LA SALLE captured its first UAAP men’s 3×3 championship at the expense of Adamson, 21-18, in an exciting finale Thursday night at the CaSoBe in Calatagan, Batangas.

MVP CJ Austria led the Green Archers fightback from five points down with nine points and three rebounds, while Joshua David drained three two-pointers for six points.

Kevin Quiambao contributed five points and 10 rebounds, while Francis Escandor grabbed seven rebounds as La Salle rebounded from last year’s heartbreaking defeat to University of Santo Tomas.

“Totally hindi namin inexpect na magchachampion kami kasi bago pa lang kami nagtraining ng 3×3. Blessings na nagchampion kami at nakuha ko pa yung MVP,” said Austria.

The Falcons raced to a 9-4 lead, but could not sustain the strong start as Austria, David and Quiambao came big for the Green Archers down the stretch.

Didat Hanapi had eight points while Jhon Calisay and Ivan Maata each had five points for Adamson.

The Growling Tigers did not come home empty handed

UST stunned National University in the women’s championship, 18-11, for its first title.

Tantoy Ferrer, who was not able to finish last season’s edition after suffering a torn ACL and MCL, gained redemption, leading the Tigresses with eight points and 10 rebounds.

Eka Soriano was named the MVP after logging seven points and four rebounds in the clincher for UST.

“Ito yung matagal na namin dinarasal na two, three years ago gustong gusto namin ito makuha pero ito na yung binigay ni Lord. Talagang para sa amin ito. Destiny. Kumbaga nandito nga sa tshirt namin redemption kasi last year tatlo lang kaming naglaro sa (final) at napatunayan naming kaya namin, ngayon napatunayan namin na mas kaya namin,” said Soriano, recalling last season’s defeat to the Lady Bulldogs in the final.

Tin Cayabyab topscored for NU with five points while Angel Surada and Aloha Betanio added three points apiece.

The Bulldogs then got the better of the Growling Tigers in the men’s third place match, 21-16, with John Galinato leading the way with eight points.

Rookie of the Year Kenji Duremdes paced UST with nine points while Echo Laure added four points.

Ateneo defeated Adamson, 21-15, to reach the podium in the distaff side

The Blue Eagles turned to Rookie of the Year Kacey Dela Rosa, who dominated with 13 points and 12 rebounds, while Elaine Etang paced the Lady Falcons with seven points.