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.