Louie Sangalang, KL Aseel turn back San Beda to cop AsiaBasket crown

Louie Sangalang is a champion anew.

The fiery big man imposed his will on defense as the Kuala Lumpur Aseel turned back the San Beda-Machateam Red Lions, 83-72, to claim the Sportsclick AsiaBasket International Championship title on Tuesday night at the MABA Stadium in Malaysia.

Sangalang, who four months ago helped Colegio de San Juan de Letran clinch its third straight NCAA title, dropped 10 points in a quiet offensive night but made up for it on the defensive end as he churned out five blocks alongside eight rebounds and a steal.

The Aseel were trailing for most of the first half, which ended with San Beda enjoying a 46-36 lead. But the home team stepped on the gas in the second half with Jalen Robinson showing the way. The American reinforcement finished with 31 points, 21 rebounds, and four assists as the crown stayed in Malaysia.

Jacob Cortez paced San Beda with 19 points on five triples with five boards, six assists, and two steals but his team-high outing was spoiled after he was ejected late in the game due to two technical fouls.

Meanwhile, Harimau Malaysia weathered a late comeback attempt from De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde in their battle for third, 93-84.

Wong Yi Hou led Harimau Malaysia with 26 points, four rebounds, two assists, and one steal. Prince Carlos shone for Benilde with 21 points, three rebounds, one assist, and one steal while Robi Nayve added 19 points, six rebounds, nine assists, and four steals.

—Bea Micaller/JMB, GMA Integrated News