Ateneo wrests solo lead in Freego Cup

MANILA, Philippines - Ateneo rolled to its third straight win as it subdued San Sebastian College-Recoletos, 59-56, while Chiang Kai Shek College debuted in grand style by beating many-time UAAP champion Far Eastern University, 73-67, in the PCABL (Philippine Chinese Amateur Basketball League) seventh Freego Cup at the Philippine Buddhacare Academy gym in Quezon City over the weekend.

Mike Nieto, who also starred in the team’s 73-62 win over Adamson along with Jolo Mendoza and Matt Nieto last Thursday, scattered 18 points and hauled down 12 rebounds as the Eaglets seized the solo lead with a 3-0 card.

In their win over the Baby Falcons, Mendoza sizzled for 28 points while Mike and Matt Nieto combined for 28 points and 20 boards.

After a scary 69-61 win over the SSC-R Staglets also last Thursday, the Mapua Red Robins demolished University of the Philippines, 92-77, last Saturday to tie La Salle-Zobel for second at 2-0 in the event presented by Freego.

Drawing 20 points from Jonas Tibayan and 17 markers from Fran Yu, the CKSC Dragons humbled the Baby Tamaraws last Thursday.

Reigning UAAP champion National University also improved to 2-1 by outlasting Jose Rizal University, 81-78, behind Mark Dyke’s 22-point explosion.

 Jordan Sta. Ana and Philip Manalang also shone for the Bulldogs by scoring 18 and 15 points, respectively.

Other winners in last Saturday’s games were Letran which clobbered University of Santo Tomas, 77-58, and  JRU, which crushed Lyceum, 67-42.

The event is also sponsored by Smart Telecom, Fresh Gear (FG), Jumbo Plastic Linoleum, Colt Commercial, K Tech Sports, Insular Square of Cebu and Cebu Pioneer Auto Supply.