Ateneo de Davao Clinches Escandor Cup Boys U-18 Title
Ateneo de Davao University (ADDU) secured the boys' under-18 championship in the Escandor Cup on May 1, 2026, at Emcor Gym in Bajada, Davao City. The Blue Knights defeated Mapua Malayan Colleges of Mindanao (MMCM) with a final score of 78-74, showcasing a dominant performance led by Jhonmark Peligriño, who scored 33 points.
Peligriño's scoring was crucial in the closing minutes, as Ateneo fended off a late surge from MMCM. The victory highlighted the team's readiness for the Palarong Pambansa, scheduled from May 24 to 31, 2026, in Agusan del Sur, where they aim to defend their secondary boys' gold medal.
John Mark Sanoria contributed 10 points, while Rene Clert Baterbonia and Rhysus Rafael Bajenting added eight points each. For MMCM, Elson Espinoza Jr. led with 20 points, followed by Niño Niccoli Tagpuno with 18 points. Kent Mer Hejara added eight points, and Mark Chester Sugay and Angelou Ocoman chipped in seven each. Despite MMCM's efforts, Ateneo maintained their lead with timely baskets from Peligriño, Marcus Nino Sisican, and Matt Jerrick Cayetano.
Coach Jess Linus Evangelio praised the team's undefeated run, stating that they also won the Gaisano Grand Cup. He expressed gratitude to the Ateneo community and the Cayetano family for their support.
In the third-place match, Rizal Memorial Colleges (RMC) defeated Lamb of God Speed Academy (LGSA) 87-84, with Heart Lawrence Campomanes scoring 32 points and Gian Peroy netting 40 points for LGSA.
The Escandor Cup, which began on March 27, featured 32 teams across three divisions: U-18 boys (16 teams), U-16 boys (10 teams), and U-18 girls (6 teams). The tournament served as a platform for grassroots and school-based talent in the Davao region.
Other Division Results
In the U-16 boys division, Cor Jesu College (CJC) edged Holy Child College of Davao (HCCD) 79-77, with Lawrence Dugasan scoring 36 points for CJC and Jaedon Jake Bangoy leading HCCD with 28 points. RMC secured third place in this bracket, defeating Immanuel School of Davao (ISD) 77-76, behind Jhael Mar Hadjirulla's 21 points.
In the girls' U-18 division, Crossing Bayabas National High School (CBNHS) won the title with a 71-69 victory over Daniel R. Aguinaldo National High School (DRANHS). Alexa Lian Cinco scored 37 points for CBNHS, while Jadah Andaya and Cassie Vale Hutalle combined for 40 points for DRANHS. Davao City National High School (DCNHS) finished third, defeating Philippine Women's College of Davao 60-49, with Jannine Irish Nuñez scoring 24 points.
The tournament was sanctioned by the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) Davao Region and provided a competitive environment for young athletes preparing for higher-level competitions, including the Palarong Pambansa.
