By Adrian Stewart Co

The Cignal-Ateneo Hawkeyes made an immediate impact on the 2019 PBA D-League after scoring a 103-75 victory over the Go for Gold-CSB Scratchers last Thursday at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.

George Isaac Go led the way for Cignal-Ateneo with 21 points, including four three-point conversions; while Adrian Wong and Joseph Matthew Nieto scored 17 and 14 markers, respectively.

Ferdinand ‘Thirdy’ Ravena III, who is part of the Gilas Pilipinas pool for the 2019 FIBA World Cup qualifier, was absent from the Hawkeyes roster due to his academic obligations.

Despite his absence, however, Cignal-Ateneo managed to start strong behind outside bombs from Go, turning a 20-16 lead into a commanding 44-17 advantage after a layup by Angelo Kouame.

The lead swelled further in the second half with Mike Nieto, William Navarro, and Bacolodnon Samjosef Belangel contributing to a 28-point margin.

“The guys played very efficiently and that’s a good thing,” said Cignal-Ateneo head coach Thomas Baldwin.

In other games, Valencia City-San Sebastian Stags beat the Marinerong Pilipino Skippers, 110-104./ASC, WDJ