SURABAYA—The Philippines is the 2024 Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) University Games basketball champion.
Represented by Mapua University and bannered by John Edward Jabonete and John Christopher Recto, the Philippines brought down Malaysia, 93-64, to capture the title at the Universitas Negeri Surabaya Sports Complex.
The Philippines, which was handled by coach Randy Alcantara, the head coach of Mapua University, his assistant coach Jay-at Carlos, and Mapua Sports Director Melchor Posadas Divina, dominated Malaysia from start to finish to the delight of a capacity crowd that included Overseas Filipino Workers in Indonesia who came far away from Jakarta just to witness the Championship.
Mapua’s participation in the ASEAN tourney was made possible by the Federation of School Sports Association of the Philippines, with its programs made in partnership with Philippine Airlines, Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation, LT Group Inc., Healthy Options, Baker’s Fair, Seascape Village, BESTANK, KELME Sportswear, Burlington Socks, Fronte Motors, Paddock’s Casual Jeans, and HENN Athletic Club.
For winning the 4th Philippine University Basketball League, Mapua was chosen to represent the Philippines in the University Games, organized by the ASEAN University Sports Council.
“It was a sweet five-game sweep for us. We’re happy to win the title. The boys worked hard and deserved to win the championship,” said Randy Alcantara, who thanked the whole Mapua community for supporting the team’s campaign here.
Coach Alcantara also lauded the Filipino community here for supporting the team throughout the tournament.
FESSAP President Edwin C. Fabro congratulated the Philippine team, led by Mapua University Athletic Director Melchor Posadas Divina and Mapua University President Dr. Dodjie Maestrecampo for his genuine support of the FESSAP sports activities and programs through the years.
Mapua University was supported by One United Mapua Alumni Association, headed by Allan Abarquez and Benedict Arreola.
The Filipinos swept their four games in the elimination round, beating Malaysia (93-79), Thailand (97-79), Singapore (101-69) and Indonesia (101-81).
The 22nd AUG will be held in 2026 in Kuala Lumpur after a press conference initiated by AUSC President Mohd Rusllim Mohamed and his Secretary-General Roestam “Roy” Effendi Sijar, both from Malaysia University Sports Council (MASUM).