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BY ADRIAN STEWART CO
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Saturday, March 3, 2018
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MANILA – Kai Sotto came up with clutch conversions as Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eaglets cruised to a 83-78 win over National University Bullpups in the do-or-die Game 3 of UAAP Season 80 juniors basketball finals last night at the San Juan Arena.
With the Blue Eaglets trailing 48-54, the 7-foot-1 Sotto converted five straight points in a telling 10-0 scoring run for a 58-54 advantage, with 1:37 remaining. Bullpups, however, answered back to tie the count at 58-all.
Sotto broke the deadlock for the Blue Eaglets with a putback from a bungled layup by teammate Joaqui Manuel with 25.3 seconds left. Bacolodnon Samjosef Belangel then iced the championship for the Blue Eaglets with free throws.
Sotto, who was named as the Finals MVP, finished with double-double 19 points and 13 rebounds.
The Blue Eaglets bagged its first UAAP Juniors basketball title Season 77 (2014-2015) and 19th overall.
Belangel added 16 points while Dave Ildefonso chipped in 13 points, nine rebounds and two assists.
The Blue Eaglets swept the UAAP basketball titles, including seniors division, for the first time since Season 73 (2010-2011).
“Sabi ni Kai sa akin, babawi siya,” said Blue Eaglets head coach Joe Silva.
Sotto rebounded from his Game 2 struggles that ended the school’s 15-game winning run this season.
Terrence Fortea topscored with 14 points, five rebounds and three assists while RJ Minerva added 13 points, nine boards and two steals for the Bullpups, which captured its second consecutive runner-up finish./PN
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