San Beda failed to sustain a fiery start and absorbed an 83-72 defeat to Kuala Lumpur Aseel in the final of the Sportsclick AsiaBasket International Championship Tuesday at the MABA Stadium here.
The Red Lions scattered seven triples right in the opening frame that saw them take a 32-10 lead but started to disintegrate when the Malaysian started to hit their shots apart from making the right adjustment defensively.
Leading their fightback were import Jalen Robinson, Wee Yong Gan and former Letran star Louie Sangalang.
So tight was KL’s defense the Red Lions were limited to just 14 and 6 points, respectively, in the middle quarters that enabled the host squad to take the lead, 58-52 lead entering the fourth.
KL eventually pulled away after going on another 10-2 run capped by dagger triples from Robinson and Louie Sangalang for an 80-65 cushion with 1:30 remaining.
Robinson led the Aseel with 31 points, 21 rebounds, four assists, and four steals while Sangalang had10 points, 10 rebounds, 5 blocks and 1 steal.
Meanwhile, Harimau Malaysia got back College of Saint Benilde (CSB), 93-84, to finish third.
Prince Carlos led CSB with 21 points.
