Bullpups clip Eaglets in Jumbo Plastic Cup

MANILA, Philippines -  National University underscored its readiness for the coming UAAP season by downing Ateneo, 79-66, while Hope Christian High School beat longtime rival Chiang Kai Shek College at the start of the second PCABL Jumbo Plastic Linoleum Cup at the Philippine Buddhacare Academy gym in Quezon City last Saturday.

The Bullpups overcame a shaky start and put their act together in the second half, coming through with one big spurt to shatter a 33-all count and beat the reigning UAAP champions for the second straight time since their semis duel in the Freego Cup last month.

Justin Baltazar and Carl Penano led NU’s well-balanced attack with 21 and 20 points, respectively, for the Bullpups, tipped as one of the teams to beat in the UAAP tournament.

Former Phl Under-17 team standout Jolo Mendoza led all scorers with 23 points highlighted by two triples but failed to draw solid support from the rest as Ateneo stumbled in the opener of the tournament sponsored by Smart Telecom, Advance Solutions Inc., Hapee Toothpaste, Fed Seal, Powerhouse, CW Home Depot and Powerbest Marketing.

PBA Globalport star Terrence Romeo and Jumbo Plastic Linoleum COO Jefferson dela Cruz graced the opening ceremony with the former making the ceremonial toss.

Hope Christian, on the other hand, leaned on the 26-point explosion of Harvey Pagsanjan to trounce Tiong Lian rival Chiang Kai Shek College, 72-63.

Mac Jacob backed up Pagsanjan with 17 points while Marvel Jimenez added 15 makers for Hope Christian, who also had to buck a cold start to frustrate Tiong Lian.

In other results, University of the East crushed Letran, 84-63, and Far Eastern University edged University of the Philippines Integrated School, 80-78.