Pingoy stars as Eagles turn back Lions in Fr. Martin cagefest

MANILA, Philippines – Reigning Division 2 Cup champion Ateneo Blue Eagles and the Jose Rizal University-B Heavy Bombers stopped their heavily favored rivals over the weekend  in the ongoing the 10th Fr. Martin Collegiate Open Cup basketball tournament.

Jerie Pingoy eked out 21 points for the Blue Eagles as they waylaid the current NCAA titlist San Beda Red Lions, 75-69, last Saturday at the Arellano University gym in Legarda, Manila.

The following day, Abduladie Poutoudchi scattered 16 points as the Heavy Bombers got past the University of Perpetual Help-B Altas, 69-60, over at the Trinity University of Asia gymnasium in Quezon City.

This put both the Blue Eagles and the Heavy Bombers in contention for one of four quarterfinals slot in Group A.

The Blue Eagles moved to third spot with their fourth triumph in six games in Group A while the Heavy Bombers climbed to a share of the lead with the Mapua Cardinals with their fourth win in five matches.

Commissioner Robert de la Rosa said the top four finishers of the two brackets involved have a chance of reaching the quarterfinal round of this cagefest, which is supported by Twin Towers Bakery.

Josan Nimes shot 14 points for the Cardinals in their 99-55 blasting of St. Joseph College-Bulacan.

With the setback, the Red Lions dropped behind in fourth at 3-2.

In Group B, Earl Thompson shone bright again, hitting 22 points for the University of Perpetual Help-A Altas as they won over the JRU-A Heavy Bombers, 62-55, and stayed unbeaten after five games.

Paolo Taha had nine points for the College of St. Benilde Blazers (4-2) when they prevailed over the Far Eastern University-B Tamaraws, 77-52, and Wilson Baltazar had 27 points in carrying LPU-B to an 85-73 beating of San Sebastian-B.