MANILA – Ateneo Blue Eagles-Philippines continued its rise in the 2018 William Jones Cup after dismantling LSU-Atletas of Lithuania 98-65 at the Xinzhuang Gym in New Taipei City, Taiwan.
William Navarro led the way with 20 points, five assists and four steals. Ivorian import Angelo Kouame added 19 markers and Ferdinand “Thirdy” Ravena III had 14 points for Ateneo.
With the third straight victory, Ateneo moved to fourth place in the standings with a 4-2 win-loss slate.
“I’m very blessed to have this opportunity,” said Navarro, a transferee from San Beda Red Lions. “Not everyone is given the chance to play here. I’m just really thankful for everything.”
Holding to a slim 22-17 lead at the end of the first period Friday night, the Philippines started to pull away in the second quarter behind Navarro, Kouame and Ravena for a 41-28 advantage at the half.
Ateneo continued its offensive onslaught in the second half with Joseph Matthew Nieto and George Go contributing as well to build a lead as high as 33 points in the final quarter.
Zygimantas Jocys was the lone bright spot for the 1-6 Lithuanians, who finished with 20 points. He committed eight of the Atletas’ 32 errors in the match./PN
