Eagles, Deltas rule Fr. Martin Division 2 cagefest

MANILA, Philippines – The Ateneo Blue Eagles, getting big baskets from Anton Asistio, and the Infant Jesus Academy Deltas of Pampanga came up with strong finishes to clinch the senior and junior titles of the 13th Fr. Martin Division 2 Cup basketball tournament last Sunday at the Far Eastern University gym in Morayta.

The 5’10 Asistio struck with a career-best 45 points, including seven triples as he led the Blue Eagles to a 107-100 victory over the Arellano University Chiefs to claim their second senior crown in two years.

The Deltas, meanwhile, drew double-digit performances from four mainstays as they swamped the Manila Patriotic School Patriots, 81-65, to become the first provincial team to win the junior crown in this cagefest, according to commissioner Robert de la Rosa.

Gil Mercado shot 17 points, while JB Calma had 15 points, Dolrich Garcia and Jeremiah Pangalangan made 13 and 10 for the Deltas. On the other hand, CJ Lumague topscored with 20 for the Patriots.

Asistio, stepping up for CJ Perez, who played with a sprain, unleashed three consecutive treys in the last 1:01, and sealed the deal in favor the Blue Eagles with their 101-95 advantage.

His timely triples came moments after the Jerry Codinera-coached Chiefs tied the count off a triple from Michael Nulud, 3:32 to go.

After Perez split his charity and kept Ateneo slightly ahead, 92-91, the Chiefs went on to overtake the Blue Eagles, 93-91, courtesy of Lervin Flores’ drive off Tyke Bano’s pass.

“It’s our defense. We were able to shut out one of their shooters. The players stepped up, and some of them showed that they are ready for Team A next year,” said Blue Eagles coach Yuri Escueta.

“Masarap ang panalo na ito. We proved that this tournament is not just for Manila teams,” said Deltas coach Allan Trinidad.

It was the Blue Eagles’ second crown since 2013.

Michael Canete powered the Chiefs with 14 points, while Flores delivered 14, Michael Nulud and Ariel Aguilar had 14.

Perez had 20 points for the Blue Eagles, who got 28 points from him when they hurdled San Beda-A, 85-83, in the semifinals.

The Chiefs, with Kraniel Viloria making 24 points, turned back San Beda-B, 90-88, to arrange a titular showdown with the Blue Eagles.

The Patriots advanced to the junior finals after fending off the AMA Computer University Junior Titans, 80-77, with Mark Ordinario firing 24 points.