Blue Eagles stun Chinese Taipei Blue
Matt Nieto hit the game-winning triple as Ateneo De Manila University-Philippines stunned host Chinese Taipei Blue, 77-76, to stay in the race for a podium finish in the 40th R. William Jones Cup on Saturday night at the Xinzhuang Gymnasium.
Off a timeout, Nieto received a long inbound pass from Thirdy Ravena and sank a trey on the left wing with less than a second remaining.
With the thrilling win, Ateneo-Philippines assured itself of a fourth place finish with a 5-2 record.
A win by the Blue Eagles over Iran Team B at press time could secure them a medal.
Nieto finished with a team-high 13 points built on three three-pointers while William Navarro flirted with a double-double as he chalked 11 markers and nine rebounds.
Ivorian center Angelo Kouame and Tyler Tio chipped in eight points apiece even as Ravena and Mamuyac added seven markers each.
It was a toe-to-toe battle between Ateneo and the host team from start to finish.
The Eagles tied the game at 74-all with 22 seconds left as Ravena directed a loose ball to Mamuyac, who converted a layup off a fastbreak.
But Ravena was called for a foul, which led to Chen Ying Chun’s free throws with 3.1 ticks on the clock.
Down by a point, Ateneo executed a stellar play, resulting in Nieto’s game-winning shot.
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