Ateneo claims PCCL crown

CEBU, Philippines – The Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU) Blue Eagles successfully defended their Philippine Collegiate Champions League (PCCL) title yesterday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

The Blue Eagles waylaid the Adamson University (AdU) Falcons in the third period and went on to score a 73-67 victory.

The title is Ateneo's third overall in this tournament, which started in 2003, as it also ruled the 2006 edition.

Kirk Long had a stellar performance hitting five of six three-pointers to lead the Blue Eagles with 25 points along with four steals.

Long started making shots in the third period and helped erase a six point deficit at the bend, 27-33.

He and Nico Salva combined for 49 of the 73 points of the Blue Eagles as the latter had 24 markers.             

Alex Nuyles, the hero of Adamson's Game 1 victory, 80-78, had a marvelous third period to join Lester Alvarez and Eric Camson in the scoring parade, but the Falcons who are first timers in the PCCL finals could not sustain their momentum going into the homestretch.  

The Eagles took game 2 of the series, 70-59. (FREEMAN)