Ateneo de Davao University scored a wire-to-wire win over archrival Holy Child School of Davao, 99-67 in Game 3 of the best-of-three finals series to take home the 2023 Escandor Cup at the Aqua Verde Sports Complex.
John Alpapara, voted Finals MVP, anchored the Blue Knights’ offense scoring 32 big points to lead the B;ue Knights under coach Enzo Nitorreda.
UAAP Finals Game 2 hero Francis Escandor of eventual champion De La Salle University watched from the sidelines as his former team gallantly overcame the challenge of the Red Eagles.
SBP Regional Director Glen Y. Escandor, SBP Regional Operations Head Ronel Leuterio, SBP Regional Commissioner Atty. Francis Calatrava and the younger Escandor awarded the trophies to the champion and runner-up squads.
The Blue Knights opened with a 32-12 lead in the first period en route to a 58-37 margin at the half as HCSD Red Eagles hardly delivered from the perimeter. Nitorreda’s Blue Knights continued their dominance in the third for a huge 70-50 lead. The champions also held fort in the fourth with a crippling full court press.
Nitorreda was named Best Coach of the tournament.
Aside from Alpapara, the Blue Knights are composed of Jake Alpapara, Rhysus Bajenting, Sebastian Laroya, Tyron Paglas, Bok Boholano, Kael Delica, Zach Uy, Matt Cayetano, and Gab Ople with assistant coaches Jess Evangelio and Martin Maningo.
