Ford stuns Ateneo in Flying V league
THE Ford Academy of Arts (FAA) opened its campaign on a high note after shocking defending champion Ateneo de Davao University (Addu), 70-60, in the curtain raiser of the 3rd Fil-Oil Flying V Junior Invitational Basketball Tournament yesterday at the refurbished Rizal Memorial Colleges (RMC) Gym.
JC Requillo paced Bambino Santandercoached FAA with 14 points. Eduard Clarete added 13. Jude Bagay and John Kelvin Amora also led FAA in defense.
Addu started sloppy, succumbing to a series of errors and turnovers for FAA to erupt a 10-0 run in the first two minutes of the game.
Addu stars Axel Doromal remained consistent, finishing with 15 baskets but his buddy Ion Angeles struggled with six points.
Isaac Selgas compensated for Angeles' slack, chipping in 13, but it was not enough to stop FAA's momentum.
"Teamwork and aggressive offense and defense," Requillo replied when asked on how they won the game.
He also said in an interview with Sun.Star Davao that they settled with back-court offense when Addu tried to pressure them in the third period.
"Bilog po ang bola at lahat ng teams has something to give. Maintain lang talaga sa laro and makinig lang lagi sa system ni coach," Requillo added.
Angeles, in a separate interview, said: "Nanibago kami sa pag-adjust and gigil na gigil kami sa game. Nanibago din kami lalo na first game po namin yun this season."
Meanwhile, a simple opening program was witnessed after the parade of teams.
Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) chief of operations officer Ronel Leuterio, who represented SBP regional director Glenn Escandor, gave an inspirational message to participants.
"What is more important is not about the competition with team from the other side of the court but it's about competing with yourself. There's always joy in the process of becoming the best you can be and trying to become a better person than you were yesterday," Leuterio said while urging the teams to give their best.
Atenean Kyra Valentin romped away with the Best Ambassadress award.