Despite figuring in a lackadaisical start, Ateneo de Manila University was able to bank on a late-game surge to upend Far Easter University, 66-55, in the UAAP Men’s Basketball Tournament, Tuesday at the Mall of Asia Arena.
The Blue Eagles shook off a listless first half where they committed 16 turnovers. They then put in the work on the boards, out-rebounding the Tamaraws, 53 to 34, while hauling down 22 from the offensive end.
Ange Kouame poured 10 points and hauled in 15 rebounds, 12 coming on the offensive end, while also rejecting four shots to keep Ateneo unscathed at 11-0.
Thirdy Ravena also got himself a double-double with his 10 points and 10 rebounds. Meanwhile, Pat Maagdenberg nabbed a career-high nine points and four boards.
Gian Mamuyac also made his impact outside of the stat sheets, finishing a plus-15 on the court. He also did the yeoman job on defense despite only having three points, five rebounds, and one assist.
“FEU certainly gave us a wake-up call in the first half that we needed,” said coach Tab Baldwin, with his side trailing, 42-29, early in the third frame.
Ateneo then held FEU scoreless in the first three-and-a-half minutes of the fourth quarter before taking a 54-47 lead.
Wendell Comboy helped the Tamaraws close in at two, 57-55, with 3:43 remaining. The Blue Eagles then responded with an 8-0 windup to finish the game.
FEU only scored 15 in the second half as they dropped to fifth at 5-6.
L-Jay Gonzales poured 12 points, six rebounds, and two assists to carry the Tamaraws.
Ateneo will look to sustain its streak on Sunday, October 20, when they face the UE Red Warriors at 2:0 pm. On the other hand, FEU looks to bounce back on Saturday, October 19, against the DLSU Green Archers at 4:00 pm.
The Scores:
ADMU 65 –– Kouame 10, Ravena 10, Maagdenberg 9, Navarro 8, Wong 8, Belangel 5, Daves 4, Ma. Nieto 4, Mamuyac 3, Go 2, Mi. Nieto 2, Andrade 0, Tio 0.
FEU 55 — Gonzales 12, Bienes 8, Comboy 8, Tuffin 6, Cani 4, Ebona 4, Stockton 4, Tchuente 4, Torres 3, Alforque 2.
Quarterscores: 15-18, 29-40, 46-47, 65-55.
