MANILA – Cignal-Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles cruised to an 82-68 victory over the Family Mart-Enderun Titans in the 2019 PBA D-League Aspirants Cup on Monday at Paco Arena in Manila.
Tyler Tio led the way with 20 points, 14 coming in the final quarter, as he went 6-of-9 from three-point area, as well as nabbing five assists and grabbed two rebounds for the Blue Eagles.
Ivorian center Ange Kouame chipped in 20 points, eight rebounds, five blocks, and two assists, while William Navarro chimed in nine points, 15 boards, and three assists for the UAAP men’s basketball champions.
“It’s a tough game, good game,” said Blue Eagles head coach Tab Baldwin. “Offensively, we don’t ask a lot right now, but Tyler did a good job, Ange pulled some boards, and Will Navarro did a good job for our guys. I’m happy that we got the win.”
Tio’s torrid outside shooting in the fourth quarter broke the game wide open as the Blue Eagles turned its slim 57-50 lead after three quarter to its largest advantage at 79-60 late in the fourth.
Valandre Chauca tallied 27 points, five rebounds and three assists, while Marvin Hayes added 12 points and eight rebounds for the losing Titans.
Meanwhile, Valencia City Bukidnon-SSCR stayed unbeaten after whipping Chadao-FEU, 75-53. RK Ilagan caught fire and drilled four treys in the fourth quarter to topscore for his side with 22 points, 10 rebounds, and four assists for the 2-0 Valencia./PN
