2018 Jones Cup: Ateneo-Philippines posts its first back-to-back wins vs Indonesia

MANILA, Philippines – The ADMU Blue Eagles made its first back-to-back wins in the 2018 Jones Cup Tournament after derailing team Indonesia, 89-78 on Thursday, July 19, 2018 at the Xinzhuang Gymnasium in New Taipei City.

Isaac “Tycoon” Go’s 21 big points, including timely three pointers gave Philippines its 3rd win in the 2018 Jones Cup
Isaac “Tycoon” Go’s 21 big points, including timely three pointers gave Philippines its 3rd win in the 2018 Jones Cup | Photo Credit: The Guidon

With a win against Japan yesterday, the Blue Eagles eyed another “W” versus a familiar ASEAN rival, Team Indonesia led by Indo-American court bruiser Arki Wisnu.

Playing with the tough ball clubs in Jones Cup made Ateneo even better especially on the outside shooting aspect. As an evidence of the Ateneo players’ progress, even their bigman, Isaac Go was draining some treys against Indonesia.

It’s inevitable that players will get tired after almost a week of playing basketball. In this tournament, all teams get no days off or bye days. The games will be on a daily basis and after the final day, the team that has the most wins will be declared as the champion.

In Ateneo’s case, Angelo Kouame has been outstanding and has also been the marked man of the rival teams. Kouame needed much breather to prepare himself for the next tough assignments versus Lithuania, Iran and Chinese Taipei Team A.

This game against Indonesia became an avenue for Kouame to take more rest and left the 5-position with Isaac Go. Go delivered more than what was expected from him and served as ADMU’s go-to-guy offensively.

Angelo Kouame’s well-deserved rest got cut short after Indonesia took the lead. Isaac Go can’t simply do it all by himself and needed some support from his teammates and even from Kouame to defend the basket from the pesky Indonesian ballers.

Isaac Go finally got the help that he was looking for as Thirdy Ravena and Patrick Maagdenberg came in for offensive support. The Philippines regained the lead after showing tenacity and very good ball movement that resulted to a 12-0 run.

The Indonesians bounced back and made their own run to bring down Philippines’ 19-point lead to just 9 in the final quarter and it happened when Go and Kouame were both on the sidelines.

Coach Tab Baldwin had no other options but to bring his big men in to prevent Indonesia from scoring on the inside and avoid an upset.

89-78 is the final score as the Philippines continued its winning streak and fortified its record to 3-2 after beating Indonesia behind Isaac Go’s 21 humongous markers.


Ateneo-Philippines will try to extend its winning streak when they face Team Lithuania on Friday, July 20, 2018 at 5PM.

— Joey Boy Capos, The Summit Express



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