COLEGIO de San Lorenzo and Our Lady of Fatima University served notice of their title aspirations with a pair of lopsided victories at the start of the NAASCU Season 17 men’s basketball tournament at the Cuneta Astrodome in Pasay City.
CdSL whipped Manuel Luis Quezon University, 101-82, while OLFU crushed La Salle-Araneta University, 82-66, to kick off their campaigns in this prestigious, 16- team competition.
The ‘Twin Towers’ of Soulemane Chabi Yo and Jon Gabriel provided the offensive muscle for the Griffins, who are looking for a fitting follow-up to their successful title campaign in the MBL Open last June.
Yo, the hard-working reinforcement from Africa, asserted himself from both ends of the floor to finish with a double-double of 26 points and 16 rebounds.
Gabriel, who saw action for Wang’s Ballclub in the PBA D-League as part of their pre-season buildup, added 24 points on a remarkable 9-of-10 shooting from the floor.
So dominant were the Griffins that they finished with more rebounds, 36-25, and more assists, 21-12, than the Stallions.
“I’m satisfied with the performance of the boys.But we’ll take it one game at a time,” said CdSL coach Boni Garcia, who is best remembered for leading AMA to the NAASCU title in 2006.
Jayson Grimaldo and Clarence Tiquia carried the fight for MLQU with 16 and 15 points, respectively.
Fatima, which finished runner-up to St.Clare College-Caloocan last year, took the same easy route in beating La-Salle-Araneta.
Handled by coach Ralph Emrson Rivera, the Phoenix rode on Chris Essomba’s 18-point, 14 rebound performance to win pulling away.
Jessie Pedrosa added 16 points and Jovem Dabu aded 14 points for Fatima.
Jason Aquino had 19 markers for DLS-AU.
Globalport Batang Pier team manager Bonnie Tan delivered the inspirational remarks, while NAASCU president Dr. Ernesto Jay Adalem of St. Clare College made the welcome remarks.
Tan, Adalem and commissioner Pido Jarencio also made the ceremonial toss.
Games Tuesday: (RTU gym)
8 a.m. — De Ocampo vs. Holy Angel
10 a.m. — PMMS vs. St. Clare
11:30 p.m. — RTU vs CUP
2:30 p.m. — OLFU vs. CdSL
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