MANILA – Negrense Samjosef Belangel continued his emergence as Ateneo Blue Eagles’ new go-to guy.
He powered his team past UAAP Finals rival University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigers, 82-71, in the 2020 Philippine Collegiate Champions League at the San Juan Arena.
The Bacolod City native finished with 26 points as the UAAP champions improved its record in the PCCL NCAA-UAAP Challenge to 2-0 win-loss slate.
Belangel was on-point from the get-go and already had seven points in their 12-3 start that eventually became 27-10. But the Growling Tigers clawed its way back several time and even came to as close as one point in the fourth quarter.
The Blue Eagles was able to restore order with Ivorian import Angelo Kouame towering over the Tigers’ defense. He spearheaded an 11-0 blast to establish an 82-68 lead. He finished with 15 points and 13 rebounds for Ateneo.
“Tough game. Rough game. I think it’s two pretty good teams out there who were not in midseason form,” said Blue Eagles head coach Tab Baldwin.
Deo Cuajao and Rhenz Abando finished with 14 markers apiece while reigning UAAP MVP awardee Soulemane Chabi Yo struggled on offense with five points and six rebounds as UST dropped to 1-1 slate.
In the first game, San Beda University Red Lions got back on its NCAA tormentor Letran Knights with a 76-53 victory.
Calvin Oftana top-scored with 17 points, while Ralph Penuela added 16 markers for San Beda./PN
