Double-digit win for Ateneo over Letran in 2019 PBA D-League

FILE: “Final: 83 – 64 in favor of the Cignal-Ateneo! Best Player: Miek Niteo with 12 points #PBADLeague2019” (Photo: PBA D-League/Facebook)

It was an 83-64 victory for the Cignal-Ateneo Blue Eagles against the Petron-Letran Knights last Thursday, April 4 at the Ynares Sports Arena for another 2019 Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Developmental League (D-League) match, fulfilling head coach Tab Baldwin’s expectations “to come out and do [their] best every game.”

Junior guard BJ Andrade peaked during the third quarter, scoring 10 of his 13 points in that period alone. Mike Nieto was ‘Player of the Game’ with 12 points, while Matthew Daves contributed as well with 10. Big man Ange Kouame fired with a double-double as well at 10 points and 11 rebounds. At one point in the game, the Blue Eagles had a hold of as much as a 20-point lead.

Petron-Letran’s players all had strong individual games as well, with Jerrick Balanza leading the way at 16 points, four rebounds, and two assists. Alvin Pasaol, on the other hand, contributed 15 points and eight rebounds. Jeo Ambohot added double digits as well with 10 points. However, it did not lead to the continuation of their three-game winning streak, now standing 3-2.

After their victory, Coach Tab shared to the media, “Our discipline wasn’t good in the first half and that’s not the right recipe to play successful basketball,” yet added, “But sorted some things out. BJ, Mike, and Matt (Nieto) hit some shots out and that got us in the right track. We did what we have to do.”

Petron-Letran will try to get back to their winning ways again as they face the University of Santo Tomas next at the Pasig venue once again on Thursday, April 11. Cignal-Ateneo, on the other hand, will continue to fight their way to the top facing McDavid on Tuesday, April 16 at the JCSGO Gym in Cubao.