Blue Eaglets soar high

CEBU, Philippines - The Ateneo de Manila University High School basketball team made sure that their Cebu trip would be worthwhile by toppling college team Colegio de Sta. Ana de Victorias (CSAV), 75-60, to win the championship of the San Remigio Properties Invitational Basketball Tournament yesterday at the Magis Eagles Arena at the SHS-Ateneo de Cebu campus in Canduman, Mandaue City.

In a replay of their elimination round game which CSAV won, ADMU controlled the first half taking a 37-26 lead, but CSAV stormed back in the third quarter to slash the lead to only three, 47-50, at the end of the third quarter. At this point, the game was like a re-enactment of their elimination round game where CSAV was also behind in the first three quarters before scoring an 89-82 win. CSAV cut the lead to only one, 49-50 to kick off the fourth quarter before ADMU replied with a 6-0 blast for a 56-49 lead, a cushion that the Blue Eaglets maintained all the way to the end against a frustrated CSAV side.

 ADMU tightened up on defense, shutting down the tournament ‘s leading scorer Jeffrey Manday who was limited to only twelve points and who was held scoreless from the three-point area all night long. SJ Belangel led ADMU with 22 points, as Dave Ildefonso had 17 points and nine rebounds. Kai Sotto nearly had a triple double with 13 points, 10 rebounds and eight blocks.

Jeric Adorio led CSAV with 17 points and six rebounds while Junior Essakadoulla chipped in 14 points and 12 rebounds. Manday had 12 points. Sotto was named tournament MVP. This was based on statistical points earned throughout the tournament where he averaged 11.8 points a game, eight rebounds per game, and four blocks per game, or a total of 39.25 statistical points. Belangel was second in the MVP ranking with 35.75 points, powered by averages of 16.75 points a game, 4.5 rebounds per game and two assists and steals per game.

 In the game for third place, Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu withstood a second half rally from Western Leyte College of Ormoc to prevail, 87-81.

The San Remigio Properties Invitational Basketball Tournament, now on its second year, is supported by Mark Ynoc, General Manager of the San Remigio Properties/group of companies. He pledged to support this annual event that brings in visiting teams to face against SHS-Ateneo de Cebu. CSAV was also present in last year’s edition where it placed second. The Yilan Senior High School of Taiwan also saw action last year. The official statistics were provided by ARQ Builders and SG General Merchandise. (FREEMAN)