Ateneo nips DLS-Osaka

Ateneo-Pioneer survived La Salle-Osaka Iridology’s fourth-quarter rally to escape with a 62-60 win last night in the PBL Challenge Cup at the Makati Coliseum.

Rich Alvarez scored crucial baskets in the closing seconds, bailing the Ateneo-Pioneer out of trouble as it notched its second win against the same number of losses. La Salle-Osaka fell to 1-2.

Earlier, Ana Freezers played steadier in the final minute as it overcame Blu Sun Power, 54-53, for its second straight win.

Ariel Capus buried a charity off a foul by Edwin Bacani then Rey Mendez scored underneath as the Freezer Specialists outmaneuvered the Detergent Kings in the homestretch.

The Detergent Kings crumbled under pressure and suffered their second loss in four outings.

"My players did not give up. Nandoon ang intensity hanggang matapos dahil talagang gustong manalo," said Ana coach Dante Gonzalgo.