NU blasts Letran in Jumbo Cup; Ateneo, CKSC up

National University blasted Letran B, 85-31, and grabbed the early lead even as University of Santo Tomas debuted on winning note Saturday in the 2nd PCABL Jumbo Plastic Linoleum Cup at Buddhacare Academy gym in Quezon City.

Using the tournament to toughen up for the coming UAAP season, the Bullpups got off to a hot start, racing to a commanding 33-7 first-quarter lead which proved huge enough to disarm the Knights and post their second straight win.

Joshua Jugar scored 14 points while John Clemente scored all but two of his 13 points in the first quarter to underscore NU’s well-balanced assault.

NU’s victory came after its 79-66 drubbing of UAAP champion Ateneo in the opener last July 25.

The UST Tiger Cubs, on the other hand, drew 16 points from Marlon Navarro in the fourth quarter to slip past the University of the East Junior Warriors, 104-102, while defending champion Chiang Kai Shek College and Ateneo rebounded from opening day setbacks with the Blue Dragons scoring an 89-82 win over the University of the Philippines Integrated School Junior Maroons, 89-82, while the Eaglets crushed the Hope Christian High School side, 78-54.