THE Ateneo Blue Eaglets again drew big baskets from the sons of two former Philippine Basketball Association stars to post a 92-53 smothering of the University of the East Junior Warriors last Wednesday in the 79th University Athletic Association of the Philippines Junior Basketball Tournament at the Arena in San Juan.
Dave Ildefonso, one of two sons of two-time PBA MVP Danny Ildefonso who are following their dad’s footsteps, struck with 10 of 12 points in the first period as the Blue Eaglets took charge right away.
His efforts helped the Blue Eaglets move in contention for a twice-to-beat incentive in the Final Four semifinals with their 10-3 win-loss record in third spot.
The Blue Eaglets, who got a game-high 14 points from SJ Belangel, moved a win behind the Far Eastern University Baby Tamaraws, who pulled off a 70-56 crushing of the La Salle Zobel Junior Archers to hike their slate at second spot with their 11-2 slate.
Kai Sotto, six-foot-nine, 14-year-old son of former 6’7” PBA big man Ervin Sotto, banged in 10 points and had eight rebounds.
His two charities in the last 1:08 of the second period handed Ateneo its biggest edge, 58-28.
The defending champion National University Bullpups have already earned the first twice-to-beat edge after after crushing the University of the Philippines Integrated School Junior Maroons, 90-64.
Karl Peñano led the five Bullpups players who produced double-digit scores with 15 points.
Louell Gonzales and Rhon Abarrientos towed FEU-Diliman with 20 and 13 points, respectively.
The Junior Maroons, the Junior Archers and the Tiger Cubs are now tied in fourth place at 5-8.
They have a chance to earning the last seat and their fates will be determined in the final game day of the eliminations on Saturday.
NU assumed the solo lead after the UAAP Board on Tuesday nullified Adamson University’s 11 wins in the eliminations for fielding in an ineligible player in guard Encho Serrano.
Adamson University walloped University of Santo Tomas, 92-58, for its first win without Serrano.
Games Saturday
(Filoil Flying V Centre)
9 a.m. – UST vs UE (Jrs)
11 a.m. – DLSZ vs UPIS (Jrs)
1 p.m. – FEU vs Ateneo (Jrs)
3 p.m. – NU vs AdU (Jrs)
