SIX-FOOT-FIVE transferee Andrei Paras helped his teammates control the boards as the AMA Titans got off to a great start in the opening games of the 25th National Capital Region Athletic Association men’s basketball tournament.
The 6’5” Paras, who left the University of the Philippines two years ago, shared the ball with his teammates, dishing out passes and rebounds that propelled the Titans to 93-61 swamping of the Philippine Merchant Marine School Mariners yesterday at the Cuneta Astrodome.
Paras, who is busy juggling and balancing his time between his studies, a budding acting career and basketball, finished with 15 points.
The 22-year-old Paras, son of former PBA great Benjie, made his teammates look good, with Carlo Garcia and Genmar Bragais banging in 18 apiece for the Titans.
The Titans quickly broke away with a 9-0 blast in the start of the game.
From there, they took control with a 20-11 lead at the end of the first period.
A three-point play midway in the second allowed the Titans to take a 12-point edge, 25-11.
“First quarter pa lang, na control na. Pero sa third, nag-relax. Sabi ko, mahaba pa ang laro, huwag mag-relax,” said Titans coach Mark Herrera.
The Titans are now in the early lead of Team B of this cagefest, which has 16 participating schools this year.
Philippine Sports Commission chairman Butch Ramirez was the keynote speaker and guest of honor.
Former PBA chairman and long-time Sta. Lucia executive Buddy Encarnado declared the games open.
Encarnado is the new general manager of the league while Bai Cristobal is the commissioner.
