From The Wires
Anton Eusebio starred in his best game yet, presiding in their 100-94 thrilling overtime victory against Phenom Blue Fire in the final day of elimination round of the 2024 ANTA Asiabasket International Championship on Saturday at the Enderun Colleges, BGC.
Eusebio, a transferee out of University of the Philippines, shone with a team-high 23 points on top of four rebounds as the Blazers improved to 2-2 win-loss record before heading to the playoffs.
The 6-foot-5 Filipino-Canadian wing proved crucial in the last two frames, scoring six straight points to cut the deficit to just two points, 70-72, after they wasted what was once a 13-point lead.
Jhomel Ancheta would even bring the Blazers to an 88-85 lead after knocking down two freebies late in regulation, but Jonnel Policarpio soared above the defense of Justine Sanchez for a triple to tie things up and force an overtime.
But the Blazers preached patience in the extra period with Eusebio burying a three-pointer followed by two straight free throws from Sanchez and a bucket from Mowell Morales to take a much-needed 95-88 cushion.
Morales then nailed a dagger triple before Sanchez sealed it by faking the defense of Peter Osang to complete a layup.
Sanchez registered 14 points and six rebounds while Morales and Matthew Oli each chipped in 11 points as they bounced back from tough back-to-back losses to National University and Lakas California.
The loss spoiled the tournament debut of PBA hopeful Policarpio, who also tallied 17 points, seven rebounds, four assists, one steal, and one block.
Meanwhile, NU and Adamson University both swept their group stage assignments to emerge as the top seeds ahead of the do-or-die knockout round that starts on Sunday.
The Bulldogs annihilated Lakas California, 92-62, behind the collective effort of Omar John, Reinhard Jumamoy, and Jolo Manansala while the Soaring Falcons escaped a gallant stand from the struggling San Beda University, 65-57, as both teams capped off the group stage with identical 4-0 cards.
NU will take on reigning NCAA champion San Beda in the crossover quarterfinals at 1 p.m. while Adamson will slug it out against Phenom Blue Fire in their 7 p.m. encounter.
FEU, on other hand, will test its mettle against National Formosa University of Taiwan at 5 p.m. as Benilde will face Mapua at 3 p.m. at the same venue.
THE SCORES:
FIRST GAME:
FEU Tamaraws (79) – Pre 12, Konateh 11, Felipe 11, Jones 9, Pasaol 8, Daa 8, Bagunu 5, Taboctaboc 5, Ona 4, Alforque 2, Beato 2, Montemayor 2, Alfonsus 0, Book 0.
DKI Jakarta (38) – Ilzar 7, Bait 7, Pangetsu 6, Nathanael 5, Dawe 5, Irawan 3, Hafizh 3, Mulia 2, Abuthan 0, Azzuri 0, Benyamin 0, Tarigan 0, Pang 0, Syamil 0.
SECOND GAME:
NU Bulldogs (92) – John 15, Jumamoy 10, Manansala 9, Enriquez 9, Reyes 8, Figueroa 8, Garcia 7, Palacielo 6, Diassana 5, Perciano 4, Padrones 4, Yu 3, Lim 2, Santiago 2, Francisco 0.
Lakas California (62) – Elombi 18, Cervantes 16, Gonzalez 12, Reyes 5, Llanes 5, Pangilinan 3, Prades 3, Borja 0, Dimalanta 0, Griffin 0, Stewart 0, Malinis 0.
THIRD GAME:
Benilde Blazers (100) – Eusebio 23, Sanchez 14, Morales 11, Oli 11, Torres 10, Turco 8, Ancheta 8, Arciaga 7, Jarque 5, Sangco 3, Cajucom 0, Serrano 0.
Phenom Blue Fire (94) – Dalisay 21, Osang 20, Policarpio 17, Jucom 9, Gaspay 7, Nablo 7, Moumbagna 6, Daja 5, Arambulo 2, Peña 0.
FOURTH GAME:
Adamson (65) – Erolon 24, Ignacio 9, Fransman 8, Calisay 6, Yerro 6, Gaye 4, Anabo 3, Manzano 2, Barcelona 2, Cañete 1, Torres 0, Ojarikre 0, Ronzone 0, Competente 0.
San Beda (57) – Andrada 18, Bonzalida 12, Sajonia 7, Royo 6, Payosing 6, Lopez 5, Estacio 3, Culdora 0, Calimag 0, Sollano 0, Alloso 0, Jampra 0, Jalbuena 0, Tagala 0.
TEAM STANDINGS (As of July 13, 2024)
GROUP A
National University Bulldogs 4-0
Benilde Blazers 2-2
National Formosa University (Taiwan) 2-2
Phenom Blue Fire 1-3
Lakas California 1-3
GROUP B
Adamson Soaring Falcons 4-0
FEU Tamaraws 3-1
Mapua Cardinals 2-2
San Beda Red Lions 1-3
DKI Jakarta 0-4
Games on Sunday (July 14):
1:00 PM – San Beda vs National University
3:00 PM – Mapua vs Benilde
5:00 PM – FEU vs National Formosa University
7:00 PM – Phenom Blue Fire vs Adamson University
