MANILA, Philippines - Hope Christian High School downed University of Santo Tomas, 63-57, while National University reaffirmed its mastery over Ateneo at the start of the FCBL-Freego Cup at the Buddhacare Gym in QC last Saturday.
With John Apacible and Clint Doliguez scoring almost at will, Hope Christian got off to a rousing start, posting a 33-19 halftime lead en route to victory as it joined opening day winners that included, Ateneo, Far Eastern University and Mapua.
Apacible and Doliquez finished with 19 and 13 points, respectively, as Hope Christian underscored its readiness in the event presented by Freego and sponsored by Smart.
Nobody scored in double figures for the NU Bullpups, but the reigning UAAP champions still pulled off a 75-69 win over the Eaglets in the featured match of the four-game bill.
Ralph Atangan and Ralph Busa had eight points each while four other NU players posted seven markers to highlight the team’s well-balanced attack in the event backed by Hapee Toothpaste, Fruitas Fruit Shake, Nikon Home Appliances, Colt Commercial, Jumbo Plastic Linoleum, Fern-C and Insular Place (Cebu).
Ateneo’s Thirdy Ravena sizzled with 20 points for Ateneo but failed to draw solid support from the rest.
In other games, Roger Domingo sizzled with 19 points to lift the FEU Baby Tamaraws to a 75-68 overtime win over STI, while Mapua surprised Adamson, 46-43.
Tournament format calls for a single-round robin with the top four teams advancing in the crossover semis where the No.1 and No. 2 teams enjoy a twice-to-beat advantage.