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NEU clips Ateneo B for Invitational crown

by Brian Yalung

The New Era University Hunters needed an extra five minutes to defeat the Ateneo Blue Eagles B, 93-84, and capture the Breakdown Basketball Invitational title at the Moro Lorenzo Gym over the weekend.

The Hunters kept in step with the Blue Eagles in the early goings and led by as much as 11 points in the second period. NEU settled for a 5-point lead at the half, 40-35.

New Era University Hunters – 25-Under Mens Breakdown Basketball Invitational Champions

Ateneo would come out strong in the third period, employing a fullcourt man-to-man defense anchored on Miguel Fortuna. Inand Fornillos would give the lead back to the Blue Eagles at the 6:10 mark, 46-45, via an alley-oop play with Jawuan White. The Loyola-based squad led by the end of the third quarter, 58-54.

The Hunters managed to reclaim the lead at the eight-minute mark of the fourth quarter, 62-60, and the game turned into a see-saw affair. The Blue Eagles had the upper hand with 1:25 left in regulation, 74-69, before Nemesis Dela Cruz and Jeff Comia buckled down to work to knot the count anew 76-all.

NEU actually had a chance to win it outright in regulation but Joel Gonzallo’s three-point attempt missed its mark.

In overtime, both teams exchanged baskets until the Hunters were able to distance themselves from the Blue Eagles. Gonzallo sank a three-pointer with 42 seconds left to make it 89-84 and NEU never looked back from there.

“It was a well-deserved win, the guys played well offensively and defensively,” said coach Adonis Tierra.

The Hunters were led by Comia and Gonzallo who finished with 22 points apiece while Dela Cruz chipped in 11 markers. Gonzallo also the team in the rebounding department with 10 caroms.

Fortuna led Ateneo with 23 points and five assists while Fornillos finished with a double-double performance of 17 points and 14 rebounds.

Tags: Adonis Tierra , Ateneo Blue Eagles , Ateneo Blue Eagles B , Breakdown Basketball Invitational , Inand Fornillos , Jeff Comia , Miguel Fortuna , Nemesis Dela Cruz , NEU Hunters , New Era University