TEAM GLORY Be of the Ateneo Men’s Basketball team finished its first semester campaign by winning the Division 2 title of the 13th Fr. Martin Cup after defeating the Arellano University Chiefs, 107-100 on Sunday, November 15 inside the Far Eastern University gymnasium in Morayta, Manila. The win comes after defeating the San Beda Red Lions-A, 85-83 in their semifinal encounter the previous day inside the Arellano University gymnasium in Legarda.
Anton Asistio was a man on a mission as he finished the game with a career-high 45 points, including 17 in the fourth quarter to lead three players in double figures. The junior guard single-handedly torched the opposition with his stellar performance, making 13 out of his 17 field goal attempts—highlighted by eight three-pointers. Backing up Asistio’s performance was CJ “Baby Beast” Perez and Dan Wong, who finished with 20 and 12 points, respectively.
In a game where offense was the focal point of both teams, the Blue Eagles’ shot-making ability proved to be the difference, as they shot 55% in the championship game while making 12 three-pointers. The team was also aggressive in going to the line, able to attempt an astounding 43 free throws while making 33.
The previous day saw the Blue and White go on to the finals after the Red Lions missed three potential game-tying cracks underneath the basket. Perez top scored for the team with a game-high 30 points as he led three players in double figures. Backing Perez’s performance were Wong and Asistio who had 14 and 13 points, respectively.
This win marks the second time in three years that the Blue Eagles have won the tournament. Their last championship came in 2013, when then Team Captain Joma Adornado as well as current Team A Blue Eagles Jerie Pingoy, Ponso Gotladera, and Chibueze Ikeh bannered the team.
This win also avenges the team’s lone defeat this season–a 94-102 decision against the Chiefs, who defeated the Blue and White right after they had just won the Milcu X Got Skills Elite Showcase championship earlier in September.
Finals
Box Score:
Ateneo 107 – Asistio 45, Perez 20, Wong 12, Cariño 6, Micek 6, Murphy 6, Allmond 4, Asuncion 4, Cu 2, Porter 2, Javelosa 0, T. Ramos 0.
Quarter Scores: 26-23, 52-45, 79-70, 107-100.
Semifinals
Box Score:
Ateneo 85 – Perez 30, Wong 14, Asistio 13, Micek 6, Cu 5, M. Ramos 4, Cariño 4, Asuncion 3, Javelosa 2, Porter 2, Murphy 2, Allmond 0.
Quarter Scores: 20-18, 42-40, 64-66, 85-83.
