The Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles secured their third win of the UAAP Season 79 Men’s Basketball Tournament as they defeated the University of the East Red Warriors 84-69 tonight at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
Anton Asistio led the Blue Eagles with 21 points, knocking down four triples in the process. He was followed by Adrian Wong who chipped in 17 markers.
Led by a hot handed Asistio, the Blue Eagles raced to a 20-9 lead at the end of the first quarter. That Ateneo advantage, though, evaporated at the second quarter.
The Red Warriors enacted a 12-0 run to earn gain the initiative and a Bon Batiller drive made it 30-32 in favor of UE at halftime.
“Hard earned win. We knew that UE was gonna go all out. The score doesn’t tell the whole story about how hard this game was fought,” commented Ateneo coach Sandy Arespacochaga after the game.
It was in the third quarter when the Blue Eagles ravaged the Red Warriors. Two consecutive three point conversions from Mike Nieto gave Ateneo a 56-44 advantage in the final stages of the period.
Pasaol then scored to make it a 10 point game, although Mike Nieto converted two free throws to give the Blue Eagles a 58-46 cushion going into the fourth quarter.
Halfway through the fourth quarter, Adrian Wong scored to give the Blue Eagles a 71-55 separation over the Red Warriors. UE rallied and were able to cut Ateneo’s lead to 11 points, but their failure to execute their offense and convert free throws halted any possible comeback.
Ateneo resorted to free throw conversions to seal the game. In the end, the Blue Eagles won 84-69 over the Red Warriors.
“This was a game where we grew up as individuals and as a team,” he added.
Ateneo shot 39.13 percent from the field compared to UE’s 30.77 percent. The Red Warriors committed 38 fouls which the Blue Eagles took advantage of with 67.31 percent free throw shooting.
Up next for Ateneo (3-2) is the University of the Philippines at 2:00PM while UE (0-5) shall face De La Salle University at 4:00PM. Both games will be held at the SM Mall of Asia on September 28, 2016.
The Scores:
ADMU (84) – Asistio 21, Wong 17, Ikeh 11, Nieto Mi. 11, Ravena 7, Nieto Ma. 7, Verano 4, Go 3, Tolentino 3, Babilonia 0, Mendoza 0, Porter 0, White 0.
UE (69) – Pasaol 22, Batiller 11, Varilla 7, Abanto 6, Derige 6, Charcos 4, Olayon 3, Manalang 3, De Leon 2, Palma 2, Penuela 2, Larupay 1, Acuno 0, Bartolome 0, Gagate 0, Armenion 0.
Quarterscores: 20-9, 30-32, 58-46, 84-69.
