By Jerome Lagunzad
Games Saturday (The Arena, San Juan City)
9 a.m. — FEU vs Adamson
11 a.m. — UST vs UE
1 p.m. — NU vs UPIS
3 p.m. — Ateneo vs La Salle
Employing a sustained defensive pressure, Ateneo clobbered National University, 64-49, yesterday to remain as the lone unbeaten team in the UAAP Season 80 juniors basketball tournament at The Arena in San Juan City.
SJ Belangel dished out an all-around performance of 14 points, eight assists, seven rebounds, and four steals while towering center Kai Sotto anchored the lane and finished with eight blocks.
With the dominant victory, Ateneo streaked to its sixth straight win and claimed the solo leadership in the process. NU, meanwhile, suffered its first loss after also hurdling its first five games.
“Again, it’s all about defense. That’s where we’re focusing on this season,” said Ateneo coach Joe Silva, pleased no end with how his wards stymied their rivals throughout, forcing them to miss 59 of their 78 attempts.
Dave Ildefonso had a double-double showing of 12 points and as many rebounds while the 7-foot-2 Sotto also contributed six points and 12 boards for the Blue Eaglets, who got off to a decisive 19-5 start
First Game
UST 83 – Cansino 23, Palencia 16, Baquial 11, Benzonan 9, Dolendo 8, Lina 5, Anunciacion 5, Manabat 4, Dela Cruz 2, Co 0, Biag 0.
DLSZ 72 – Calimag 14, Santos 13, Pascual 11, Cortez 10, Bonalos 7, Vesagas 6, Damiles 5, Terrado 3, Cosejo 3, Buncayo 0, Carlos 0, Escandor 0, Barcuma 0, Udal 0.
Quarters: 23-10, 44-23, 65-51, 83-72.
Second Game
ATENEO 64 – Belangel 14, Ildefonso 12, Manuel 10, Credo 9, Sotto 6, Angeles 6, David 4, Diaz 2, Chiu 1, Jaymalin 0, Santos 0, Gusi 0, Lopa 0.
NU 49 – Fortea 9, Oczon 8, Minerva 7, Pradella 8, Amsali 6, Javillonar 4, Gonzales 3, Malonzo 2, Felicida 2, Pangilinan 1, Manalang 0, Coyoca 0.
Quarters: 19-5, 36-17, 50-34, 64-49.
