NEXT MAN CUP: ATENEO NAILS FIRST WIN

Ateneo finally barged into the win column as the Blue Eagles edged the UP Fighting Maroons, 88-62, in the the Pinoyliga Next Man cUP last Sunday at the Activate Hoop Arena in Mandaluyong City.

Jynno Ladimo led Ateneo with 18 points punctuated by his 4-of-6 shooting from beyond the arc. Overall, the Eagles converted 14-of-39 or 35.9 percent from the three-point area.

The win of the Blue Eagles’ Glory Be team of coach G-Boy Babilonia kept their playoffs hope alive following this crucial win against their fellow Katipunan-based team.

Xavier Tanjangco added 14 and Jac Macasaet had 13 for Ateneo, which led by as much as 32 points, 63-31, on Isaac Danting’s baseline jumper in the third quarter.

The win put Ateneo in a tie with UP at 1-4, with the former getting the head-to-head advantage for the sixth and final playoff spot.

“We’re not satisfied with how we’re performing, but it feels good to win,” said Babilonia, a former Blue Eagle big man whose team had a rough 0-4 start in the tournament.

Paolo Galotera had 16 to lead UP, which is in danger of missing the playoffs after losing their fourth straight game.

The scores:

ATENEO 88 – Ladimo 18, Tanjangco 14, Macasaet 13, Danting 9, Lechoncito 9, Inductivo 7, Requioma 7, Corral 5, Luna 4, Flores 2.

UP 62 – Galotera 16, Gregorio 13, Vergeire 10, Tan 7, Felix 5, Santiago 5, Canillas 4, Shah 2, Avinado 0, Villarreal 0, Singson 0, Nicolas 0.

Quarter Scores: 29-17, 45-28, 78-49, 88-62.