Showing that they are ready for the upcoming UAAP wars, the Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles completely had their way against the Adelaide 36ers before escaping with a 91-87 tune-up game win, Saturday afternoon at the Moro Lorenzo Gym in Quezon City.
Adelaide – a pro team who finished in fifth place last year in the NBL – are in town for a pair of tune-ups with Gilas Pilipinas. But unlike their game against Gilas, which they lost, 83-92, the 36ers trailed the young Blue Eagles by as many as 18 points in the contest.
Matt Nieto led the way for Ateneo with 12 points. Meanwhile, Matthew Daves and Gian Mamuyac had 11 markers each.
Behind Eric Griffin and Harry Froling, Adelaide tried to rally late. But Nieto and Angelo Kouame made the big shots to fend off the visitors.
Griffin had 20 points, while Froling added 16 points. Anthony Drmic, who was DNP versus Gilas, and Brendan Teys had 12 markers apiece.
Kouame protected the paint for the Blue Eagles while finishing with 10 points.
Ateneo will open their title defense on September 4 against the Adamson Soaring Falcons at the SMART Araneta Coliseum. On the other hand, Adelaide end their tour with another tune-up with Gilas on Sunday, August 25.
