UAAP jrs: Ateneo drubs UST for 8th straight win, NU takes solo 2nd

Ateneo continued its undefeated run in the UAAP Season 80 juniors’ basketball tournament after brushing off University of Santo Tomas, 78-54, Saturday at Filoil Flying V Centre.

The Blue Eaglets shrugged off a slow first quarter and outscored the Tiger Cubs 22-9 in the second period to take a 35-27 lead at the half that eventually became the foundation for the victory.

Dave Ildefonso put up 20 points to lead Ateneo, which improved to 8-0, while SJ Belangel filled the stat sheets with 13 points, six rebounds, and six assists.

Kai Sotto and Joaqui Manuel both had 11-point and 12-rebound double-doubles for the Blue Eaglets.

CJ Cansino, who was the frontrunner for the MVP plum after the first half, had 16 points, 12 rebounds, and four assists for the 5-3 Tiger Cubs who settled for third place.

Rhayyam Ansali’s 21 points led National University, 86-81, over defending champion Far Eastern University with the Bullpups taking solo second with a 6-2 card.

NU got its 107-69 season-opener win over University forfeited after it fielded a player who failed to meet the UAAP’s eligibility requirement.

De La Salle-Zobel relied on the partnership of Chris Calimag and Rogil Carlos, who combined for 42 points, to cut down the Junior Warriors for the Junior Archers’ 93-74 victory.