Though playing their sixth game in six days, Ateneo Pilipinas still mustered their most impressive win in the 2018 Jones Cup, demolishing Lithuanian club team LSU-Atletas, 98-65, Friday evening at the Xinzhuang Gym in New Taipei City, Taiwan.
Transferee William Navarro led the way with 20 points, five assists, and four steals, while Angelo Kouame added 19 points and five rebounds.
It was a wire-to-wire victory by the Blue Eagles, who are now at solo fourth in the 2018 William Jones Cup with a 4-2 record. 3D Global Sports (6-0), Iran B (4-1), and Chinese-Taipei Blue (4-1) are the teams above the Philippine side in the standings.
After an impressive first half that saw Ateneo-Pilipinas force LSU-Atletas to commit 16 turnovers, the Blue Eagles pushed the pedal in the third frame.
Kouame was unstoppable in the quarter, scoring 11 points in a 27-6 run. Thirdy Ravena added seven markers during that rally, and pitched in a total of 14 points, eight rebounds, three assists, and two steals.
Navarro and Jawuan White sustained Ateneo’s momentum in the final frame.
Mike Nieto and Isaac Go had 10 points each to lead Ateneo’s bench mob. The Philippine side also had 27 steals in the contest, while assisting on 24 of their 42 field goal makes.
Žygimantas Jocys was the sole bright spot for the 1-6 Lithuanians, finishing with 20 points. He committed eight of the Atletas’ 32 errors.
Ateneo Pilipinas look to stun hosts Chinese-Taipei Blue on Saturday, July 21.
The Scores:
Philippines 98 – Navarro 20, Kouame 19, Ravena 14, Nieto Mi. 10, Go 10, Asistio 8, White 6, Black 4, Nieto Ma. 3, Tio 3, Daves 1, Wong 0.
Lithuania 65 – Jocys 20, Motuzas 9, Norkus 9, Neimantas 8, Rimša 7, Sabecka 7, Paulauskas 5, Vazalis 0.
Quarterscores: 22-17, 41-28, 73-46, 98-65.
