Eagles net Fr Martin diadem

MANILA, Philippines - Anton Asistio sizzled with a career-best 45 points as Ateneo repulsed Arellano U in a high-scoring duel, 107-100, to capture the seniors crown in the 13th Fr. Martin Cup Division 2 basketball tournament at the FEU gym in Morayta last Sunday.

Asistio drilled in eight triples to spike his explosive outing, including three in the clutch that turned a 91-93 deficit into a seven-point victory as the Eagles copped their second seniors diadem in the last three years.

“The players stepped up and we were able to shut out one of their shooters on the other end,” said Ateneo coach Yuri Escueta.

Infant Jesus Academy of Pampanga crushed Manila Patriotic School, 81-65, to bag the juniors title.

The IJA Deltas drew double digit performances from four players to dominate their rivals and become the first provincial team to win the juniors crown in the cagefest, according to commissioner Robert de la Rosa.

Gil Mercado shot 17 points, while JB Calma, Dolrich Garcia and Jeremiah Pangalangan chipped in 15, 13 and 10 markers, respectively, for the Deltas.

“This victory is sweep and we proved that a provincial team can win in this league,” said Deltas coach Allan Trinidad.

CJ Lumague topscored for the MPS Patriots with 20 points.

Asistio, taking over from a sprain-hit CJ Perez, buried three consecutive treys in the last 61 seconds as the Eagles surged ahead at 101-95.

Earlier, Michael Nulud also hit a triple and Lervin Flores scored on a drive as the Chiefs grabbed a 93-91 lead.

Meanwhile, the 12th Fr. Martin Collegiate Open Cup kicks off this Saturday with Manuel L. Quezon University facing Ateneo at 9 a.m., and University of the East taking on Perpetual Help at 10:30 a.m. at the Arellano U gym in Legarda.

Perez had 20 points for the Blue Eagles, who edged San Beda-A, 85-83, in the semifinals, while Michael Canete led the Chiefs, who turned back San Beda-B, 90-88, in the Final Four, with 14 points.