Ateneo de Manila University executed its vaunted third-quarter barrage to defeat University of Santo Tomas 72-55 in the UAAP Season 85 Men’s Basketball Tournament, Thursday, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Leading by single digits during halftime, the Blue Eagles unleashed a 27-10 rampage against the Growling Tigers during the third frame.
It was capped off by an and-one play by Josh Lazaro as Ateneo led as much as 62-37 with 2.6 seconds remaining before the final quarter.
“We’re pretty happy with the result, obviously, not just the win,” said Blue Eagles mentor Tab Baldwin. “I thought it was, apart from the second quarter, I thought we were cohesive in the game. Players knew what they were doing out there.”
BJ Andrade and Ange Kouame led Ateneo with 14 points each with the latter also producing seven rebounds and three blocks.
Forthsky Padrigao also contributed 10 points, seven rebounds, and five assists for the Blue Eagles. Dave Ildefonso produced five points and five rebounds for Ateneo as well.
The Blue Eagles’ bench mob was impressive as they came up with 27 points against the Growling Tigers’ five. Ateneo also went perfect from the free throw line with 10-of-10.
With the win, the Blue Eagles improved their record to 7-3 behind back-to-back wins. They remain in step with National University (8-3) for second.
“I think defensively, we were pretty good,” added Baldwin. “First quarter and third quarter, we only gave up 10 points. Those were key quarters. When you set the tone defensively, that really helps your cause.”
On the other hand, UST’s campaign of futility gets worse at 1-9 off a nine-game losing streak.
Nic Cabanero was the Growling Tigers’ biggest contributor with 26 points, eight rebounds, seven assists, and two steals. Adama Faye had 10 points and 11 rebounds as well for UST.
Both teams will return to action on Sunday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena. Ateneo takes on FEU at 11:00 AM while UST goes up against National University at 1:00 PM.
The Scores:
Ateneo (72) – Andrade 14, Kouame 14, Padrigao 10, Koon 9, Ildefonso 5, Garcia 5, Chiu 4, Lazaro 3, Fornillos 3, Fetalvero 3, Ballungay 2, Quitevis 0, Daves 0, Ong 0, Lao 0.
UST (55) – Cabanero 26, Faye 10, Pangilinan 6, Manalang 6, Duremdes 5, Manaytay 2, Calimag 0, Laure 0, Mantua 0, Gesalam 0, Herrera 0.
Quarterscores: 22-10, 35-27, 62-37, 72-55.
