Ateneo-A rules Mini Youth Basketball League

MANILA, Philippines - Quezon City-Ateneo-A defeated Lourdes School of Mandaluyong, 45-41, to snatch the Mini Youth Basketball League Mini Division championship over the weekend.

Finals MVP and Mythical Five member James Gotladera scored 10 points, with Carlo Lopa adding seven, Jed Ramos six, Martin Baligod five, Xavier Jorvina and JC Fetalvero four each, Rap Escalona, Mookie Borja, Joaquin Cortes and Francis Pepping two each and Emilio Daez one. Teo Hosaka, Yves Lazaro, Kevin Herrera, Pio Mendoza, Elijah Nadal, and Gabe Ocampo gave the defensive support to the Eaglets at the Blue Eagle Gym.

The tighly-guarded MVP and Mythical Five member Jorvina was limited to four points. Lopa’s free throw, two crucial baskets from Ramos and Jorvina’s assist to Gotladera gave Ateneo a 42-39 lead, 3:24 left in the game. Gotladera’s freethrow and boarding shot sealed the win, 45-41, in the last 40 seconds.

Coach Homer Bautista attributed the win to prayers, support of the parents, the school and teamwork as all of his players stepped up in every game.