DLSU celebrates its 38th Kadayawan Invitational Basketball Tournament championship.
Photo courtesy of Madayaw Sports Davao
La Salle rules Kadayawan cagefest
LA SALLE edged out fabled rival Ateneo, 86-83, to annex the 38th Kadayawan Invitational Basketball Tournament championship Sunday at the USEP Gym in Davao City.
Evan Nelle was named Finals Most Valuable Player after leading the Green Archers with a solid all-around performance of 22 points, six assists, four rebounds and four steals.
Under new coach Topex Robinson, the conquest was La Salle’s second preseason title, also winning the PBA D-League Foundation Cup last June.
Mike Phillips posted a double-double outing of 12 points and 12 rebounds, while Kevin Quiambao and CJ Austria each scored 11 points as the Green Archers foiled the Blue Eagles’ bid for a third preseason title by avenging their 86-89 overtime loss on opening day.
Ateneo, the reigning UAAP men’s basketball kings, previously won the Pinoyliga and AsiaBasket championships.
Joe Obasa registered a near-double-double with 20 points and nine rebounds while Kai Ballungay came through with 18 points and 10 rebounds for the Blue Eagles.
La Salle went 2-1 in the elimination round, beating Jose Maria College (118-88) and Adamson (89-72).
Ateneo, which will fly to Japan this week to defend the World University Basketball Series crown, also defeated San Beda (73-66) and College of Saint Benilde (79-63) for a three-game sweep of eliminations.
The Falcons bagged third place after beating the Blazers, 79-69.
