ATENEO made mincemeat of University of the Philippines Integrated School, 115-68 in the UAAP Season 81 juniors' basketball tournament on Wednesday at Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan.
Kai Sotto pumped 18 points, 11 rebounds, five assists, and a block in just three quarters of action to lead the Blue Eaglets to their third straight win and eighth in 11 games overall - good for a share of second with FEU-Diliman.
Forthsky Padrigao chipped in 17 points, nine rebounds, six assists, and two steals. Angelo Diaz added 18 points and two rebounds as Geo Chiu got a double-double of 14 points, 11 rebounds, and six assists for Ateneo.
The Blue Eaglets wasted no time taking control of the game, starting off with a 44-15 first quarter assault as they handily beat the Junior Maroons in almost all categories, most notably in rebounds, 68-31.
"I think we’re growing up already. Batang team ito, now, they got experience already and hopefully, we can peak at the right time," said Ateneo coach Reggie Varilla.
The Blue Eaglets also shot 16-of-37 from three-point land, a season high for a team more known for imposing its size advantage down low with Sotto and Chiu.
"Actually, I challenged our boys and I told them we’re dead last in three-point shooting, percentage-wise so nag-extra work sila. It showed nung first quarter and yun yung big boost," said Varilla.
Ralph Labao led UPIS with 14 points, four rebounds, four steals, three assists, and one block, while John Tuazon got 12 and four.
King Vergiere added 11 points, seven assists, six rebounds, three steals, and a block as the Junior Maroons sunk to 1-10.
The scores:
ATENEO 115 – Sotto 18, Padrigao 17, David 16, Chiu 16, Jaymalin 9, Fetalvero 9, Ladimo 8, Diaz 7, Espinosa 6, Salandanan 4, Narciso 3, Lechoncito 2, Pangilinan 0, Corral 0, Coo 0.
UPIS 68 – Labao 14, Tuazon 12, Vergeire 11, Torres 11, Estrera 10, Gomez de Liano 10, Armamento 0, Lopez 0, VIllaverde 0, Napalang 0, Galotera 0.
Quarters: 44-18, 65-37, 95-53, 115-68.
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