National U cuts down Ateneo to size in rout
Every dog has his day, as the old saying goes. And for National University, their day had finally arrived.
The Bulldogs, on the weight of a 10-game losing streak against five-time defending champions Ateneo de Manila University, finally broke through with a 64-54 victory in their UAAP Season 76 season opener on Sunday at the Mall of Asia Arena.
All five starters led the Bulldogs, with Bobby Ray Parks heralding the list with 22 points and nine rebounds. Jean Mbe added 14 points and 15 rebounds, while Dennice Villamor rounded out the double-digit scorers with 13.
Despite the result, the Sampaloc-based dribblers led by as much as 24 points, 59-35, on a Dennice Villamor long bomb with 5:33 left in the match.
Former Green Archer Nico Elorde stepped up to the plate and put up eight points on a perfect 3-for-3 shooting clip that led a 13-2 spurt that brought the Blue Eagles to within 10 points entering the two minute warning.
But Parks, in true MVP form, put the exclamation point with a long bomb from the left corner with 1:41 on the clock to silence the throngs of Ateneo’s faithful in the crowd.
“We just regrouped, got back their focus. We allowed them to get back in the game with their outside shots. Sabi ko, don’t let the spate of errors affect their defense,” told National University head coach Eric Altamirano to Fullcourtfresh.com.
The Blue Eagles, who fielded in an injured Kiefer Ravena for nine minutes during the first half, were led by Juami Tiongson who finished with 13 points. Elorde and Ryan Buenafe had 10 points apiece in a losing cause.
Ravena, who suffered a right ankle sprain prior to opening day weekend, was initially slated to not play in the ballgame.
Previously, the Bulldogs claimed their last victory over the Blue Eagles on September 15, 2008 via a 96-88 finish in overtime, according to UAAP chief statistician Ompong Ducanes.
Falcons extend mastery over Fighting Maroons
In the first game, Adamson University turned up the jets in the second half to claim their tournament-opening 79-67 victory against University of the Philippines.
Led by Jericho Cruz and Ingrid Sewa, who put up 24 of the team’s 43 points to complete the second half demolition, this year’s hosts claimed their ninth straight win against the Maroons.
Cruz finished with 19 points on 8-for-19 shooting, with three steals. Cameroonian slotman Sewa added 15 points via a 6-for-8 clip from the field and 10 rebounds.
“UP is not a pushover team, and hindi mo pwedeng i-underestimate sila,” said Adamson head coach Leo Austria of the game.
“We are the host team and ayaw ko na mapahiya kami (sa opening game).”
Ex-Junior Maroon Joseph Marata, who previously suited up for De La Salle University two seasons ago, fired 20 points. Raul Soyud and Henry Asilum each totalled for 10 points apiece in the loss.
The last time the Fighting Maroons claimed a victory over the Falcons was on August 21, 2008 via a 73-42 victory, according to UAAP chief statistician Pong Ducanes.
BOX SCORES
First game
ADAMSON (79): Cruz 19, Sewa 15, Cabrera 11, Brondial 9, Petilos 8, Julkipili 8, Rios 4, Inigo 3, Agustin 2, Trollano 0, Ochea 0, Monteclaro 0, Bernabe 0, Abrigo 0
STATE U (67): Marata 20, Soyud 10, Asilum 10, Lao 6, Wong 4, Reyes 4, Pascual 4, Ball 4, Gallarza 3, Harrris 2, Paras 0, Ligad 0, Gingerich 0
QUARTERS: 18-13, 36-28, 60-49, 79-67
Second game
NATIONAL (64): Parks 22, Mbe 14, Villamor 13, Javillonar 5, Alolino 4, Rosario 2, Khobuntin 2, Alejandro 2, Rono 0, De Guzman 0
ATENEO (54): Tiongson 13, Elorde 10, Buenafe 10, Newsome 9, Erram 4, Ravena 2, Pessumal 2, Golla 2, Capacio 2, Tolentino 0, Babilonia 0
QUARTERS: 15-10, 33-21, 50-32, 64-54
