CJ Cansino, Carl Tamayo Shine in UP’s Loss to Ateneo #BattleofKatipunan

It has been more than two years since we last saw action in the UAAP Men’s Basketball. Fans are all in for a treat as the new faces in CJ Cansino and Carl Tamayo are set to make their debut with the UPMBT.

First to be fielded in are Gerry Abadiano, Ricci Rivero, Malick Diouf, Carl Tamayo, and Zavier Lucero. First game jitters contribute to both teams’ slow start but Ateneo picks up speed and establishes an 11-0 run after Rivero makes a 3-pointer. UP was plagued with turnovers, fouls, and missed free throws but towards the end of the first quarter, Noah Webb, CJ Cansino, and Malick Diouf got the team going, resulting in a score of UP 18-26 Ateneo.

Throughout the second quarter, Tamayo, former UAAP Juniors Division Finals MVP, showcased his all-around skills while Cansino proved to be the spark in UP’s run. CJ Catapusan and Terrence Fortea were also subbed in. There were more opportunities for the team to score on the free-throw line to catch up but Ateneo always had an answer back.

To begin the third quarter, UP had a productive start with Cansino and Diouf scoring quick baskets to reduce the deficit to 5. Soon enough, Dave Ildefonso stopped UP’s run by completing a three point-play and jumper. Halfway through the quarter, Ateneo’s Raffy Verano and Ange Kouame worked together to increase the lead to 18 but UP managed to fight back.

The story in the fourth quarter is no different as UP remained to struggle on the line, commit turnovers, and miss shots. Rivero, Fortea, and Tamayo sink treys which showed signs of life. At the 3:42 mark, the lead was chipped down to 10 pts with Tio and Cansino trading three-point shots and Lucero scoring. In the end, Ateneo asserted its mastery over UP, clocking in their first victory of the season at 81-90, securing their 27th straight win, despite Cansino and Tamayo’s impressive performances.

UPMBT will try to bounce back against the University of Santo Tomas when they go head-to-head on Tuesday at 7:00 PM.

The Scores:

Ateneo 90 – Ildefonso 19, Verano 18, Kouame 11, Belangel 10, Mamuyac 9, Mendoza 6, Tio 5, Chiu 4, Daves 4, Koon 2, Lazaro 2, Andrade 0, Gomez 0, Mallilin 0.

UP 81 – Cansino 21, Diouf 15, Tamayo 13, Rivero 11, Fortea 5, Spencer 4, Cagulangan 4, Lucero 2, Catapusan 2, Abadiano 2, Webb 2, Alarcon 0.

Quarter Scores: 26-18, 46-35, 71-54, 90-81.