By NIKOLE JAVIER
Ateneo rookie Mason Amos showed what he can provide as the Eagles kicked off their title defense in the World University Basketball Series (WUBS) in convincing style, trouncing University of Sydney, 88-50 on Friday, Aug. 11 at the Yoyogi National Stadium in Tokyo, Japan.
Living up to his new-found stature, Amos posted 17 points to lead a balanced attack that sent a strong warning to the host country.
Skipper Kai Ballungay delivered 13 points, Shawn Tuano – another rookie with a big heart – added 11 points and returning forward Jason Credo joined the double-digit finishers with 10.
The hot-shooting Ateneo nailed 15 three-pointers and buried the Australian side deeper after posting a 49-29 halftime advantage.
As if it wasn’t enough, the Blue Eagles stretched their lead at 39, 86-47, in the fourth quarter.
With the win, the reigning UAAP champion marched to the semifinals of the three-game tournament against Japan’s Hakuoh University on Saturday, Aug. 12 at 5:30 p.m. (Manila time).
