Golden State forward Kevin Durant throws down a dunk during a scrimmage with collegiate players at the Araneta Coliseum. Mark Demayo, ABS-CBN News.

MANILA – Philippine collegiate basketball stars seized the chance to show off in front of an NBA superstar on Sunday, as players from the UAAP and the NCAA took part in a scrimmage with Golden State forward Kevin Durant at the Araneta Coliseum.

Durant, in town to promote his new Nike shoe, played in the competitive showdown in front of thousands of fans at the Big Dome but struggled with his shooting during the 20-minute game.

Instead, it was the likes of Juan Gomez de Liaño, Thirdy Ravena, CJ Perez, and Isaac Go who showed their wares in the fast-paced contest.

Gomez de Liaño, Ravena and Perez took turns in wowing the crowd with high-flying dunks, while Go returned to the site of his UAAP heroics and displayed his shooting touch yet again. Also drawing cheers was Adamson's Sean Manganti, who showed off his versatility with a mix of perimeter shots and dunks during the contest.

Ateneo point guard Matt Nieto stole the show, however, when he grabbed Durant's Nike cap after it had fallen following a slam dunk from the two-time Finals MVP.

"Sobrang swerte," a beaming Nieto told ABS-CBN News later.

Durant, of course, gave the Big Dome crowd something to cheer about even as he struggled to find his rhythm. He threw down some big slam dunks, and later knocked down a triple to help Team Hypercourt claw its way back in the game.

KD struggling with his shot so he dunks it pic.twitter.com/ZNMcldalIK
— Camille B. Naredo (@camillenaredo) July 8, 2018

But a pair of corner three-pointers by Adrian Wong of Ateneo propelled the Nike All-Stars to an 85-82 win.

"I'm pretty tired," Durant admitted afterward. "But I had a lot of fun."

Fans at the coliseum certainly had their fun as well, especially after Durant ended the night by throwing autographed basketballs to the crowd.

For the players, it was a once-in-a-lifetime experience that they cherished.

"Sobrang tuwa namin kasi Kevin Durant yan eh, and sobrang blessed kami na nakasama kami dito. And thank you din sa Nike kasi sinama kami dito," said Lyceum's Perez.

The Blue Eagles were coming off a championship game in the SMART Breakdown Basketball Invitationals on Sunday afternoon, but would not pass up a chance to play with Durant.

"'Yung pagod, okay lang," said Nieto. "Hindi mo talaga mami-miss itong KD event."

Ateneo coach Tab Baldwin was only too happy to see his players share the court with one of the best in the world today.

"I think that these guys are very blessed with the opportunities they have, and this is just another example of an opportunity that comes their way," Baldwin told ABS-CBN News after the event. "I'm happy for them when they get this kind of opportunity, and I'm glad to see them out there enjoying themselves."

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