Ateneo de Manila University sealed top seed in the 2023 Pinoyliga Collegiate Cup’s Group Prime after staging a come-from-behind win against National University, securing a 79-71 victory at the Philippine Buddhacare Academy on Friday.
Kai Ballungay, Joseph Obasa, and Chris Koon led the way for the Blue Eagles, each contributing 12 points. Ballungay and Obasa also grabbed nine rebounds each.
Josh Lazaro and Geo Chiu added 11 points each to the Blue Eagles’ score.
Ateneo will play its final game of the round against De La Salle University on Sunday at Enderun Colleges.
Meanwhile, Reinhard Jumamoy stepped up to lead the Bulldogs, recording 16 points, two rebounds, four assists, and three steals.
Mohamed Diassana contributed 10 points, five rebounds, and four blocks.
National University will enter the playoffs with a 5-3 record.
In the second Group Prime match, Rafael Are led San Sebastian College-Recoletos to an 80-67 victory over Mapua University to secure a spot in the play-in tournament.
The 5-foot-9 Are exploded with 29 points, three rebounds, four assists, and five blocks for the 5-4 Golden Stags.
James Una recorded 16 points, seven rebounds, two steals, and a block for San Sebastian, while Alex Desoyo contributed 13 points, four assists, and two steals.
With this win, the Golden Stags claimed the third spot, while Mapua dropped to 5-4 and now sits at the fourth spot.
Clint Escamis showcased his usual brilliance, leading the Cardinals with 16 points, four rebounds, and five assists, while Paolo Hernandez provided support with 12 points and five rebounds.
The Scores:
First Game
San Sebastian 80 – Are 29, Una 16, Desoyo 12, RA. Gabat 8, Calahat 6, Castor 2, Felebrico 2, Pascual 2, Aguilar 0, Suico 0, RL. Gabat 0.
Mapua 67 – Escamis 16, Hernandez 12, Bonifacio 8, Dalisay 8, Recto 6, Rivera 5, C. Nocum 4, Igliane 4, Soriano 2, Jugo 2, Cuenco 0, Asuncion 0, Agmenyi 0, Garcia 0.
Quarterscores: 23-14, 39-36, 57-45, 80-67.
Second Game
Ateneo 79 – Ballungay 12, Obasa 12, Koon 12, Lazaro 11, Chiu 11, Espinosa 5, Tuaño 5, Gomez 4, Celis 4, Brown 3, Quitevis 0, Credo 0, Bongo 0.
NU 71 – Jumamoy 16, Diassana 10, Baclaan 8, Casinillo 8, Park 6, Yu 5, Padrones 5, Francisco 5, Palacielo 2, Galinato 0, Delos Reyes 0, Perciano 0, Santiago 0.
Quarterscores: 12-15, 26-38, 60-58, 79-71.
