The Asian Tournament is becoming a veritable playground for Philippine basketball clubs after The Aces emerged as latest champions in the league’s Winter Tournament, this time beating the Macau Black Bears, 118-108, in Leg 3 finals at the Verso International school in Bangkok.
With European veteran Sam Deguara using his intimidating 7-foot-6 height to his advantage and Denzel Wong coming through with another fine performance, the Aces withstood the Black Bears’ spirited challenge in the payoff period to complete a grand sweep of the three-leg tournament.
Also getting big help from Xavier Alexander, Mascus Elliiott, Serhii Pryimak, Oleksandr Kolchenko, Emmanuel Ojuola, Alfren Gayosa and Macky Acosta, the Jason Santiago-mentored Aces topped the first leg by downing the Vanta Black Dragons and Binan City Tatak Gel in Leg.
But in their coronation as the latest PH club champions of the tournament – others are Pola RPG and the Zamboanga Valientes – the night simply belonged to Deguara.
The import from Malta erupted for 45 points apart from bringing down 23 rebounds to cap his memorable stint in the fledging tournament that attracted some former NBA and European stars – Demarscus Cousins included.
And fittingly, Deguara was honored with the World Best Import award in a ceremony graced by former NBA star and now TAT part owner Dwight Howard and Executive Director Jack Ruby. He was also the first leg Finals MVP.
In all, the Aces recorded 20 wins in 22 matches with Wong earning the Best Local Player award after claiming the Finals MVP in Leg 2.
Other members of the team are former UE star Marcy Arellano, AJ Vitug, Brian Ilad and Due Lacastesantoz.
TAT, now on its third, is fast gaining popularity in the provinces, especially in Passi, Iloilo and Binan, Laguna where games by local clubs are played.
