PUP, RTU cagers score in SCUAA opener

Defending champion Polytechnic University of the Philippines and Rizal Technological University pulled off similar explosive victories at the start of the 22nd SCUAA-NCR men's basketball tournament at the RTU gym in Mandaluyoing City. Led by Sonny Legaspi and handled by coach Ariel Esquivel, PUP crushed Technological University of the Philippines, 106-76, to launch its title-retention campaign on a high note. Legaspi scattered a game-high 37 points for the Stars, while Cliff Richard Somera added 23.

Allan Cabatingan carried the fight for TUP with 35 points. Equally impressive was RTU, which demolished Philippine Normal University, 127-40, to join PUP in the early lead in this seven-team tournament featuring state colleges and universities. The Blue Thunder of coach Beaujing Acot got double digits scores from Angelo De Jesus and seven other players in the lopsided victory. Rodney Santos added 16 points while Jessmar Sabangan, John Ehitfield, Nico Montelibano, and Jery Glorioso contributed 14 points apiece. The Blue Thunder also drew 13 points from Jericho Cruz and 10 from Phillip Paniomogan. In the other game, Eulogio "Amang" Rodriguez Institute of Science and Technology (EARIST) defeated Philippine State College of Aeronautics, 67-61, behind the tandem of Rigor Robrigado and Kevin Cayubit. Robrigado scored 23 points while Cayubit added 22 points for the Red Fox of coach Francis Rodriguez. In the women's division, RTU routed PNU, 66-14, and EARIST outclassed PUP, 60-40. - GMANews.TV