THE newly-crowned National Basketball Training Center (NBTC) champion Ateneo de Davao University (ADDU) Blue Knights posted a lopsided 78-50 victory over Jose Maria College (JMC) Kings at the start of the 4th Escandor Cup Inter-High School basketball tournament held at the Almendras Gym Davao City Recreation Center on Sunday, February 26.
Francis Gabriel Escandor canned 15 points for the Blue Knights including three triples as teammate Marion Angeles added 12.
Team captain Darren Manliguez and Axel Doromal made identical 11 points for the Blue Knights who will try to grab its second win opposite Emar Human and Environmental College on Saturday, March 4.
JMC, however, leaned on the services of Stefan Steinl who erupted with 23 points but he will face a two-game suspension after committing a deliberate foul on Joshua Barrientos with one minute and 40 seconds left in the game.
Ateneo, coached by Miguel Solitaria built a solid advantage from the start and never looked back to secure the win.
Escandor Group of Companies president and chief executive officer Glenn Escandor led the ceremonial toss that was also witnessed by tournament director Ronel Leuterio and The Royal Mandaya Hotel manager Benjie Banzon Jr.
A parade of 12 teams with their muses ushered the simple opening rites, wherein Ateneo's Alexis Gapuzan was crowned best muse.
Games are still ongoing as of Sunday.
The cagefest is sponsored by Escandor and sanctioned by SBP.