NEXT MAN CUP: Mapua thrash Ateneo for a rousing debut win

Mapua opened its account in the Pinoyliga Next Man cUP in style, mauling Ateneo 84-67 at the Activate Hoop Arena last January 14.

The so-called battle of the birds between then-rivals in the NCAA turned into a one-way show by the Cardinals, in which team B coach Nani Epondulan would thank Toby Agustin and Marc Cuenco in their debut win.

With their outside shooting on point, Agustin hit 61% from the field (8/13), including four triples to lead all scorers with 22 points, while Cuenco hit all of his 18 markers from beyond the arc.

Also notable was the return of Clint Escamis to his high-school alma mater, after a season to forget with UE after a winless campaign in UAAP Season 84. The former Red Robin served his residency last year and had produced a modest line of 6 points, 7 rebounds, 8 assists, and 4 steals in 21 minutes of playing time.

After a tight first quarter, Mapua pulled away from Ateneo since then, as it even ballooned its lead to 24, 81-57 with barely more than five minutes remaining in the final frame.

The Blue Eaglets reunion in Ateneo’s Glory Be squad was not the kind they wish for, despite Jason Credo and Geo Chiu putting up decent numbers in their opening defeat.

Once won the 2018 UAAP high school title, Credo had a team-high 13 points, while Chiu, fresh off a UAAP title last December, had a double-double of 10 points and 18 rebounds for coach Dean Castano.

The scores:

MAPUA 84 – Agustin 22, Cuenco 18, Soriano 10, Dalisay 9, Sabasalon 9, Escamis 6, Igliane 4, Caballero 3, Asuncion 3, Pariñas 0

ATENEO 67 – Credo 13, Chiu 10, Bongo 10, Garcia 10, Fetalvero 6, Tanjangco 5, Flores 5, Opeña 4, Ladimo 2, Macasaet 2, Luna 0, Diaz 0

Quarter scores: 18-15, 42-32, 69-53, 84-67