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| Jolo Mendoza and the Eaglets are still in contention to defend their title. (image by Arvin Lim/ABSCBN) |
Action is set to heat up a lot more in the UAAP Season 78 juniors basketball tournament at the Filoil Flying V Arena as the Ateneo Blue Eaglets eliminated the FEU-Diliman Baby Tamaraws and booked a do-or-die clash against bitter rival De La Salle-Zobel on Monday, February 15, 2016.
Sophomore playmaker SJ Belangel showcased his offensive wizardry against the Baby Tamaraws, scoring 15 points on 7/8 FG shooting. He also added 8 assists, 1 steal, and 2 rebounds in leading the Blue & White crew. He got able support from graduating players Jolo Mendoza and Gian Mamuyac. Mendoza, last season’s Finals MVP, recorded 14 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 steals, while Gian Mamuyac added 13 markers, 4 dimes, 3 swipes, and 2 blocks.
It was a tight contest throughout the first half with Ateneo leading FEU by just seven, 35-28. In the third period, however, the Eaglets began to put a lot of separation between themselves and their foes, outscoring the Baby Tams, 28-19.
Coach Joe Silva’s wards then proceeded to cruise to the win, the team’s eleventh for the season. Ateneo was red-hot from the floor, making 60.4% of their field goals. This compensated for their being outrebounded, 41-30. Starting center Jossier Hassan wasn’t able to see action again because of injury. If he continues on to miss their crucial encounter with DLSZ, the Eaglets will have a huge donut hole in the paint.
Former Batang Gilas pool big man Kenji Roman led the Green & Gold with 21 points, 13 rebounds, and 3 assists. Jack Gloria and JJ Sapinit combined to tally 24 points in support as coach Michael Oliver’s crew goes off into the offseason.
Game Monday (Filoil Flying V Arena):
9 a.m.. – Ateneo vs DLSZ (DLSZ has a twice-to-beat edge)
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| Rivals since their elementary days, Jolo Mendoza and Aljun Melecio are set to match-up again in their pivotal face-off in the semifinals. (image by Richard Esguerra/ABSCBN) |
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