By JEROME LAGUNZAD
Games Saturday
(The Arena, San Juan City)
9 a.m. – DLSZ vs Ateneo
11 a.m. – FEU vs Adamson
1 p.m. – UPIS vs NU
3 p.m. – UST vs UE
Ateneo coach Joe Silva got more than what he asked for from defending champion Far Eastern University-Diliman yesterday, but the Blue Eaglets still found a way to post a 68-65 win in the UAAP juniors basketball tournament at The Arena in San Juan City.
SJ Belangel continued his fine showing with 20 points while Joaqui Manuel tallied half of his 12-point output from the 15-foot line as they conspired for nine of the Blue Eaglets’ last 10 points.
Aside from extending its flawless start to 10 straight matches, Ateneo also clinched the first Final Four spot and a twice-to-beat bonus aided by National University’s 109-75 beating of University of Santo Tomas in the second game.
The Bullpups, with Matthew Manalang leading their sustained offensive onslaught with 25 points spiked by three triples, solidified their hold of the second spot with an 8-2 mark.
Towering center Kai Sotto tallied 16 points and 10 rebounds on top of three blocks for the Blue Eaglets, who trailed by as many as 12 points early on before making their move.
“I’ve always said FEU is a tough time to face. Whatever anyone says they are still the defending champs. Plus they are playing with sense of urgency,” said Silva.
“We started out very flat today but we found our bearings in the second half. Good thing about today was we found a way to win. We need games like that to develop our character as a team.”
The scores:
ATENEO 68 – Belangel 20, Sotto 16, Manuel 12, Ildefonso 11, Credo 9, Escalona 0, Chiu 0, Angeles 0, David 0, Jaymalin 0, Lopa 0.
FEU-DILIMAN 65 – Abarrientos 16, Alforque 12, Gonzales 12, Torres 12, Sajonia 10, Celzo 0, Ona 1, Boc 0, Tolentino 0, Mariano 0.
Quarters: 10-20, 25-33, 46-43, 68-65.
NU 109 — Manalang 25, Amsali 13, Coyoca 12, Fortea 12, Malonzo 10, Oczon 10, Javillonar 9, Gonzales 6, Minerva 6, Pradella 4, Pangilinan 2, Dayrit 0, Felisilda 0, Vinoya 0.
UST 75 — Cansino 13, Palencia 13, Dolendo 10, Lina 7, Baquial 6, Manabat 6, Narvasa 6, Anunciacion 5, Benzonan 5, Esplana 2, Estrella 2, Biag 0, Co 0, Dela Cruz 0, Villapando 0.
Quarters: 25-26, 50-41, 80-61, 109-75.