Ateneo, NU boost semis bid in Fr. Martin Cup

MANILA, Philippines - The Ateneo Blue Eagles and the National University Bulldogs subdued their respective foes Saturday to beef up their semifinal hopes in the 11th Fr. Martin Division 2 Cup basketball tournament at the Arellano University gym in Legarda, Manila.

Joma Adornado and Jerie Pingoy combined for another big performance as the Blue Eagles crushed the University of the East Warriors, 75-59, while the Bulldogs won over the University of Perpetual Help Altas, 72-62.

Adornado tallied 24 points while Pingoy scored 23 for the Loyola dribblers, who went on to post their fifth win in six games, and stayed behind solo leader Lyceum (5-0) in Group A.

Both the Altas (5-1) and the Bulldogs are now the top contenders for semis slots in Group B, according to commissioner Robert de la Rosa.

The trio of Alfred Aroga, Reden Celda and Ralph Napa made 17, 14 and 11 points in boosting the Bulldogs’ record to 5-2, and in stopping the Altas winning run after six games.

Their latest win allowed the Bulldogs to bounce back from a 59-70 loss they took from the Enderun Titans (4-1), who were led by Ervin Maravilla with 36 points last Sept. 1       

In other matches, the San Beda Red Lions (4-1) drew 14 points from Pierre Tankoua as they walloped Angeles University Foundation, 102-55, in another Group B encounter, while Emilio Aguinaldo College won over University of the Philippines, 72-62.

Mustapha Arafat fired 23 points for the Warriors, who tripped Trinity University of Asia, 90-82, also last Sept. 1

In the junior side, the San Sebastian Staglets prevailed over the Arellano University Braves, 75-72.