Andrew Velasco of Ateneo de Cebu, seen in this August 2016 photo, led the way for the Magis Eagles in their win against Australia in the NBTC National High School Championships.
CDN PHOTO/LITO TECSON
Ateneo de Cebu starts strong; SLC-C stumbles in NBTC National
Pasay — The Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu Magis Eagles got off to a blazing start as they manhandled the visitors from Australia, 79-49, at the start of Division 1 action in the SM NBTC League National High School Championship on Monday here at the Mall of Asia Arena.
But the other Cebu bet in the meet, the St. Louis College-Cebu (SLC-C) Cardinals, faltered in their first game, getting beaten by Cavite, 90-59, in Division 2 action.
Spitfire guard Andrew Velasco, the NBTC Cebu’s Most Outstanding Player, had a field day as he scored 21 points, grabbed five rebounds and had two steals as the Magis Eagles showed tremendous resolve without star guard Jed Colonia who is missing the tournament due to a torn ACL he suffered during the Cebu tournament.
After a tepid start, the Magis Eagles got their rhythm going in the second period as they outscored Australia, 31-7, to build a huge 45-18 lead which held until the game’s final buzzer.
Forward Eroll Pastor, proving that he has fully recovered from the illness he suffered earlier this year, had a double-double of 15 points and 10 boards for the Magis Eagles. Wide-bodied big man Jay Cutamora also stepped up and had 11 points.
However, as dominant as the Magis Eagles were, the Cardinals were at the other end of the spectrum.
Playing under the bright lights of the country’s biggest arena, the Cardinals from the Mandaue City-based school got off to a slow start and just were not able to find their bearings after falling behind, 14-23.
Andrew Abeneza, Kenn Nunez and Matthew Paras all had 13 points each to lead the way for St. Louis College-Cebu.
The Scores:
Ateneo de Cebu (79) Velasco 21, Pastor 15, Cutamora 11, Chua 8, Mantua 6, Manaytay 6, Nacua 6, Javelosa 2, Calumpang 2, Visser 2.
Australia (49) Cabban 13, Rentoy 13, Mclaughlin 8, Villalon 6, Mantua 5, Timonera 4.
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