King Eagle flies high, fires 31 pts

Six-foot-6 slotman Enrico Villanueva made his presence felt at the paint and scored a career high 31 points as Ateneo-Hapee-Negros Navigation fashioned out a 69-65 upset of Challenge Cup champion Shark Energy Drink for a second straight win in the 2002 PBL Chairman’s Cup at the Makati Coliseum yesterday.

Villanueva scored almost at will as the Blue Eagles made a big follow-up to their 74-66 victory over the Montana squad Friday, forcing a three-way tie in the lead with the ICTSI-La Salle Archers and the Kutitap Teeth Sparklers.

Villanueva also pulled down 13 rebounds in his splendid performance.

"Enrico stepped up for us. He played almost unstoppable and he did a good job on the boards. I just hope he’ll continue to play this way," said Ateneo-Hapee-Negros Navigation coach Joel Banal.

Villanueva drilled in 17 points and snared six rebounds as the Blue Eagles kept the game close in the first half, trailing by only a point, 35-36, at halftime.

With the Eagles trailing by five at 35-40 early in the third, Villanueva sparked a decisive 17-3 run that turned the tide in their favor, 52-43, with 1:42 left in the period.

The Power Boosters, who lost, 69-73, in their debut against the Teeth Sparklers, called on Irvin Sotto, Jing Rodriguez and Rolly Basilides to restore order in their game but the best they could do was to come to within four at 57-61, 3:35 remaining.

In the second game, Ana Freezers bounced back from two consecutive setbacks via a 75-67 victory over Montana.

Cebuano James Laygo and Leo Vilar topped with 13 points apiece in leading the Freezer Kings to their first win in three games.

The Jewelers joined Sharked at the cellar toting 0-2 cards apiece.

The Blue Eagles played steadier down the stretch, and consecutive baskets by Villanueva and Cruz erected a 69-61 gap, 1:24 left.

Rysal Castro went four-of-four from the free throw line for the final tally.