PCU Athletic Director Dr. Maria Putli Ijiran prepares to make the ceremonial toss, while tournament director Johny Tam looks on.
PCU in fiery start in AUBC
BANGKOK, Thailand — Philippine Christian University served notice of its title aspirations in the 2023 Asian University Basketball Championship (AUBC), beating host Chulalongkorn University, 80-72, at the Chaloem Rajasuda Sports Complex here Wednesday.
Handled by former PBA player-turned- coach Oscar “Biboy” Simon, the Taft-based Dolphins went to Gael Escultor, Dave Bagatnan and Datu Ali Adas during a decisive stretch in the second half to notch their first win in the five-day tournament organized by the Asian Universitites Basketball Federation (AUBF) in cooperation with the Bangkok University.
Escultor finished with a game-high 20 points for the Dolphins, who are being supported by PCU president Dr. Junifeen Gauuan, athletic director Dr. Maria Putli Ijiran, Rosemarie Cinco and Sammy Dizon.
Bagatnan added 17 points and Adas contributed 13 points for the Dolphins, who took a break from their campaign in the National Athletic Association of Schools, Colleges and Universities (NAASCU) to participate in the annual tournament.
Bangkok University clobbered Thammasat University, 106-71, in other opening-day action.
Basketball Association of the Philippines (BAP) secretary general Graham Lim delivered the inspirational message, along with tournament director Johny Tam and technical director Eric Samson.
“It’s a good start for the team. ĹMabigat din yung kalaban, lalo na host team,” said Simon, who is being assisted by Mark Edison Ordonez, Juanito Belandrez and Michael Guzman.
Three other players — Llionel Failon, John Lloyd Balvarin and Castor Troy Manipolo — also played well for the Dolphins. AA
