Ateneo de Manila University dominated Jose Rizal University, 82-56, to maintain their undefeated 2-0 record in Group Prime of the 2023 Pinoyliga Collegiate Cup on Tuesday at the Enderun Gymnasium.
Ian Espinosa spearheaded the Blue Eagles’ charge with 16 points, three rebounds, and three assists. Kai Ballungay provided support with 12 points, four rebounds, and two steals.
Joseph Obasa and Mason Amos contributed 11 points and four rebounds each, with Amos also tallying three assists for Ateneo.
On the other hand, Shawn Argente was the lone double-digit scorer for the Heavy Bombers with 11 points, three assists, a rebound, and a steal.
JRU, now at 1-3, suffered their second consecutive loss.
In the second Group Prime Game, National University handed De La Salle University their second straight defeat with a score of 84-71.
The Bulldogs secured their third consecutive win, taking the top spot with a 4-1 win-loss record.
PJ Palacielo led NU with 14 points, four rebounds, three assists, and two steals. Incoming rookie Reinhard Jumamoy registered 12 points, six assists, and four rebounds, while LA Casinillo and Drex Delos Reyes contributed 10 points each.
Donn Lim also made a solid contribution with nine points, five rebounds, and four assists.
Meanwhile, Jonnel Policarpio led the 2-2 Green Archers with 17 points and three assists, while Henry Agunnane provided 13 points, seven rebounds, two steals, and three blocks.
In the third Group Prime battle, Jerolan Caduyac propelled Lyceum of the Philippines University to an 82-60 victory over Philippine Christian University.
Caduyac nearly achieved a double-double for the Pirates with 14 points, eight rebounds, five assists, and a steal, raising their record to 4-3 and securing the second spot.
Ken Caduyac also made significant contributions with 15 points, five rebounds, and three assists, while Jonathan Daileg, Carl Alattica, and Nat Fuentes each scored 10 points. John Balazuela and Michael Versoza dominated the boards with 10 rebounds apiece.
Gabi Diño led the Dolphins with 17 points, an assist, and a steal, while Lyon Pallingayan added 13 points, three rebounds, and six assists.
PCU, with a 0-6 record, suffered their sixth consecutive loss.
In the sole Group Edge game, Tony Ynot propelled the College of St. Benilde to a 79-67 victory over Adamson University.
Ynot had a stellar performance with a game-high 25 points, three assists, and four steals, leading the Blazers to victory. Allen Liwag provided support with nine points and six rebounds.
Justine Sanchez and Anton Eusebio added eight and seven points, respectively, for CSB, with Sanchez also contributing eight rebounds and Eusebio grabbing seven rebounds.
The Blazers secured their third straight win, now holding a 2-3 record and sitting in the third spot.
Ray Allen Torres led the Soaring Falcons with 17 points, two rebounds, and a steal, while Eli Ramos and Ivan Maata each contributed 13 points, with Ramos adding five rebounds.
Adamson suffered their second consecutive loss, bringing their record to 1-3.