Cignal-Ateneo opened its campaign in the 2019 PBA Developmental League with a rousing 103-75 victory over Go for Gold-CSB Thursday at Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.
Isaac Go got things going for the Blue Eagles, who ripped the game open with a 24-3 blast in the second quarter that turned a slim 20-16 lead to a commanding 44-19 advantage.
The versatile center-forward topscored eventually finish with 21 points on 4-of-6 shooting from deep. He also had four rebounds as Cignal-Ateneo took an early headstart in the Aspirants Group.
Adrian Wong also had a feast from 3-point range, drilling in five long bombs to score 17 points that went with his five rebounds, and four assists. Matt Nieto contributed 14 points, seven assists, and three rebounds.
The Blue Eagles shot 55-percent from the field including 45-percent from downtown, much to the delight of coach Tab Baldwin.
"This isn't how we play in the UAAP. We'll press a lot more, we'll do a lot of other things that we really can't do when our numbers are down. So offensively, I was surprised, we played pretty well," he said.
"We're not doing a lot really, but the guys played very efficiently and that's a good thing."
Ivorian slotman Kouame did his damage inside on his way to 13 points, 18 rebounds, four blocks, and two steals, including a rim-rattler in the closing seconds.
Thirdy Ravena tried to make the game, but ultimately missed the affair due to academic obligations.
The game will be televised on Thursday at 7:00PM on 5-Plus.
THE SCORES
CIGNAL-ATENEO 103 -- Go 21, Wong 17, Ma. Nieto 14, Kouame 13, Mi. Nieto 9, Navarro 9, Belangel 9, Daves 6, Credo 5.
GO FOR GOLD-CSB 75 -- Gutang 21, Haruna 11, Belgica 9, Pasturan 8, Naboa 7, Young 6, Dixon 6, Carlos 5, Leutcheu 2, Nayve 0.
Quarters: 20-14, 49-26, 80-55, 103-75.