FILE – Ateneo coach Tab Baldwin. Photo from UAAP
MANILA, Philippines — Paul Garcia and Kai Ballungay opened a new era for Ateneo as the Blue Eagles annihilated Universitas Pelita Harapan of Indonesia, 125-39, in the World University Basketball Series on Wednesday at Yoyogi National Stadium Second Gymnasium in Tokyo.
Garcia delivered a game-high 17 points including three three-pointers in his first game for Ateneo while Ballungay posted 15 points, four rebounds, and three steals to lead their 86-point demolition.
Ateneo played without seniors Ange Kouame and Dave Ildefonso.
Forthsky Padrigao had 14 points, six assists, four rebounds, and four steals, while Chris Koon also scored 14 from three three-pointers and had five boards with Ateneo shooting 16-of-34 from deep and scoring 60-percent from the field.
Joseph Obasa and JC Fetalvero also debuted in style with 12 and 11 points, respectively.
Gilas player Geo Chiu posted 10 points and 17 rebounds as Ateneo dominated the boards, 53 to 24.
Ateneo faces the National Chengchi University of Chinese Taipei on Thursday.
Coach Tab Baldwin and the Blue Eagles are starting their road to redemption in this university basketball series after losing the crown to University of the Philippines in Game 3 last May in the UAAP Season 84.