PH-Ateneo routs Jones Cup host

Ateneo De Manila University hardly broke a sweat in a 87-64 rout of Chinese-Taipei White to kick off its 40th William Jones Cup campaign on a high note yesterday at the Xinzhuang Gymnasium in New Taipei City.

The first Philippine collegiate team to be fielded in the Jones Cup, the Blue Eagles jumped right in the first half with a comfortable 48-33 lead.

It was all Ateneo from there as it even stretched the lead to as many as 25 points en route to a convincing first win.

University Athletic Association of the Philippines Season 80 Finals Most Valuable Player Thirdy Ravena led the way with 17 points, five rebounds three steals and a block in just 22 minutes of action.

Ivorian import Angelo Kouame also backed Ravena up with a solid double-double of 15 points and 18 rebounds.

Meanwhile, Oscar Kao spearheaded the Taiwanese with 16 points in a losing cause.

Backed by national team backer Chooks-to-Go, the Blue Eagles will shoot for a 2-0 slate against South Korea at 5pm today.

Philippines 87 – Ravena 17, Kouame 15, Mendoza 11, Go 10, Nieto Ma. 8, Verano 8, Mamuyac 4, Tio 4, Asistio 3, Nieto Mi. 3, Black 2, Navarro 2.

Chinese-Taipei B 64 – Kao 16, Lin C 15, Lin T 12, Chen K 8, Chen Y 7, Wang 3, Wu 2, Chien 1, Lai 0, Lu 0, Sun 0, Hsu 0.

Quarterscores: 26-20, 48-33, 67-52, 87-64.