Ateneo leads Fearless Four cast in Div 2

Kris Porter

Ateneo secured their spot at the Division 2 Fearless Four on Friday, holding on to 74-65 win over Doc Boleros in the last day of Magic 12 action at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Kristian Porter contributed sixteen points, seven rebounds and a couple of steals, while Lebron Nieto netted twelve points, six steals, and a couple of assists and rebounds to help tow the Blue Eagles atop Pool D.

Porter shared after the game, "The first game, we used that as our motivation. After that, we gathered ourselves and played better, played as we should."

After suffering a shock upset against Batang Tiaong on Wednesday, Ateneo will face Team Tarlac on Saturday in the semifinals, as the latter routed Saint Benilde International School-Calamba, 78-60.

Earl Sapasap contributed a near double-double with 24 points, nine rebounds, four assists and four steals, with Roby Gesultura and Russel Liwanag combining for 24 markers.

Sapasap shared about their upcoming semifinal, "Magandang match-up po yun sa'min kasi makaka-experience kaming makalaban ang mga player ng UAAP."

The other semifinal will feature Don Bosco-Dumaguete against Homegrown Australia.

The former easily dispatched Rome Elite, 95-58, with CJ Umali leading the Greywolves with 23 points, four assists, and three steals.

The latter escaped with 75-72 win over PCU-Dasmarinas, with Kaden Puletua leading the way through his 23 points and ten rebounds.

The NBTC Nationals is backed by Smart, SM, Strong Realty and Development Corp., Under Armour, and Molten. It is also supported by Tecno, Regent, Rebisco, Jollibee, San Miguel Corp., Maynilad, Rebel Sports Pilipinas, MNL Kingpin, Gatorade, Swish App, Victory Liner, Jasper Jean, Darlington, Exped, Coach E Basketball School, Lighthouse Events, and the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas.