Blue Eaglets claim juniors title

Ateneo outmaneuvered Far Eastern U in the homestretch and went home with the 69th UAAP juniors basketball crown with a 69-61 decision yesterday at the Araneta Coliseum.

Mike Gamboa fired 15 points including the go-ahead basket off a steal with more than two minutes left, and the Eaglets completed the stirring victory that gave them their first title in three years and 15th overall in the league.

"I thank God for this victory. The players’ hard work was amply rewarded," said Jamike Jarin, who won his fifth title as mentor of the Katipunan-based dribblers.

Enzo Katipunan and Raymond Austria, son of Adamson coach Leo Austria who was named MVP later, provided Gamboa the helping hands with 10 points apiece.

Katipunan had a triple sparking a 13-2 run that had the Eaglets spurting ahead from a 56-59 deficit entering the last two minutes of play.

"That (Katipunan’s trey) was a big shot. That became the turning point of the game," said Jarin.

Socrates Rivera was the Baby Tams’ main source of inside strength as he scattered 20 points, including eight in the fourth quarter.

Earlier, Santo Tomas leaned on Rem Buenacosa’s explosive game as it downed FEU, 67-59, in their own rubber match for the women’s plum.

Buenacosa erupted for 23 points including eight in the pivotal third period that fuelled a key run by the Tigresses to seize control and momentum.

It was UST’s six title under coach Elizabeth Tan. — Joey Villar