Eagles repulse Pirates, bag Milcu 25-U crown

MANILA, Philippines – Ateneo battled back from eight points down in the fourth quarter as the Blue Eagles turned back the Lyceum Pirates, 57-52, to capture the Milcu Got Skills Elite Showcase 25-under crown at the Lyceum gym recently.

Miguel Fortuna and Gabby Reyes took charge to spark a stirring 14-2 run to close out the game and complete the Blue Eagles reversal in the tournament sponsored by Milcu and sanctioned by the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas.

Gian Mamuyac scored 10 points for Ateneo and later took Most Valuable Player honors.

The Blue Eagles trailed, 43-51, with three minutes left in the contest.

Fortuna scored on a five-point swing, including a triple, that pulled the Eagles within, 50-51. Tyler Tio then hit two free throws as Ateneo wrested control before Reyes buried a jumper with 32 seconds to play to secure the win for the Eagles.

Brix Ramos also finished with 10 points for the Blue Eagles in the tournament also backed by Basketball TV, Gerry’s Grill, Gatorade, Clyde Shoe Cleaner, Kawasaki, LGR, SLAM, Rain or Shine, Honda, Coach Athletic Trainers Tape, Secret Fresh, Mighty Sports, Nousha Kebabs and Barbeque, FMR Bus Services, and Patricio’s Online Sneaker Source.

“I told them even during the tournament that we have to play with heart. That was our theme for the whole tournament,” said Ateneo coach Yuri Escueta.

CJ Perez shot 12 points for the Pirates, who rode on a 12-2 binge to start the fourth to take control but sputtered in the face of the Eagles’ strong finishing kick.