IT WAS JUST another day at the office for Cebuano big man Greg Slaughter as he led the reigning champions Ateneo Blue Eagles to a 73-57 rout of the Adamson Soaring Falcons at the start of their “drive for five” in the 75th UAAP basketball tournament at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
Slaughter, a former two-time MVP in the Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation Inc. while playing for the University of the Visayas Green Lancers, had 17 points, 10 rebounds and four blocks, which helped Ateneo pull away in the second half. He had ample support from last year’s Finals MVP Nico Salva, who had 14 markers.
The Blue Eagles held a slim 32-28 lead at halftime but suddenly found their groove in the final 20 minutes of the game as a 13-4 run near the end of the third canto put them on top, 55-45, heading to the last stanza. There, the Eagles dominated more and even pushed their lead to a high of 21 as they cruised to the easy win.
Power forward Rodney Brondial led Adamson with 13 while star wingman Alex Nuyles struggled all evening and finished with just 12./Correspondent Jonas Panerio