Ateneo annexes Martin Cup crown

Reigning back-to-back UAAP champion Ateneo survived Mapua, 68-64, to snare the 16th Fr. Martin Summer Cup crown at the San Beda St. Placid Gym in Mendiola, Manila over the weekend.

Jason Escueta scored 14 points while Kirk Long, who hit the game-winning triple in an 86-83 semifinal win over Perpetual Help a few days ago, chipped in 11 for the Eagles, who arrived from US training stint just recently.

“I’m sure this week we’ve been struggling a little bit with our legs, that’s why if you noticed we have not been pressing at all full court, just picking up from half court,” said Ateneo coach Norman Black.

“We just don’t have the energy right now but I think after five to six days off, we could have re-energized and come back strong,” he added.

Earlier, Ateneo made it a twin victory after its high school team beat Arellano U, 87-64, to clinch the juniors’ crown in the tournament organized by Ato Badolato and Joey Lim with Aric del Rosario as commissioner.