NATIONAL University and Ateneo continued to dominate the UAAP Season 80 juniors’ basketball tournament with two playdates remaining in the first round.
With perfect 5-0 records, the Bullpups and the Blue Eaglets are the only remaining undefeated teams.
Over the weekend, NU bested defending champion Far Eastern University-Diliman, 80-68, while Ateneo overpowered University of Santo Tomas, 94-63.
Determined to rebound from last season’s Finals loss to the Baby Tamaraws, the Bullpups are making strides behind Rhayyan Amsali, who is posting double-double averages of 14.4 points and 10 rebounds per contests.
Terrence Fortea (13.4 points), Miguel Oczon (12.6 points), Matthew Manalang (11.6) and Michael Malonzo (10.2) are also averaging in double figures for NU.
Not far behind are the Eagles, with sophomore center Kai Sotto continue to produce huge numbers with an impressive 14.6-point, 12.2-rebound and 4.4-block averages this season.
SJ Belangel is averaging 15.4 points per game to spearhead Ateneo along with Dave Ildefonso (13 points, eight rebounds per game) and Joaquin Manuel (10.4 points).
The Bullpups and the Eaglets clash for the solo lead when action resumes tomorrow at the Filoil Flying V Centre. Tip-off is at 11 a.m.
End it…end it