Behind another blistering offensive display, the Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles kept their immaculate UAAP Season 80 record intact with an 83-65 beating of the winless University of the East Red Warriors at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
“For a minute there, we fell into the trap of thinking that they’re a 0-3 team. We can’t say that we had control of the game kasi they made several runs,” said Ateneo assistant coach Sandy Arespachochaga.
Former UAAP Juniors MVP Thirdy Ravena led four Blue Eagles in double-digits with 21 points, eight rebounds, and two assists.
Ateneo had control of most of the match, allowing UE just a 2-0 lead to start the match before beginning their assault. After a balanced effort from 10 players, Ateneo kept a sturdy seven-point wall between them and UE and came away with a 32-23 lead at halftime.
The Blue Eagles had several chances to blow the game out of contention in the third period, but UE’s Alvin Pasaol kept them afloat. The second-year Red Warrior went toe-to-toe with a sudden Ateneo burst, scoring nine consecutive points right before the final period. Will Bartolome converted on a put-back to start the payoff period to bring Ateneo’s lead down to six, 54-60.
From there, Ateneo mustered their finishing push. Raffy Verano and Mike Nieto converged on a 7-2 Ateneo run that put them ahead 72-59 with 5:00 remaining on the game clock. Thirdy Ravena then subbed in with 4:23 left in the game and scored nine points to ice Ateneo’s fourth win.
“Good thing we were able to put the clamps down on UE in the fourth quarter. I thought things came together for us – offense and defense – in the fourth quarter,” Arespacochaga pointed out.
Alvin Pasaol topped the Red Warriors with 22 points, while bigman Nick Abanto added 10 markers and nine boards.
Ateneo look to extend their streak to five on Wednesday, September 27, when they face the University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigers at 4:00pm. UE, on the other hand, will have a week off before taking on the Adamson University Soaring Falcons at 4:00pm. Both games will be played at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum.
The Scores:
ADMU 83 – Ravena 21, Nieto Ma. 11, Black 10, Nieto Mi. 10, Tolentino 9, Asistio 8, Verano 4, Porter 3, Ikeh 2, Go 2, Mendoza 2, Tio 1, White 0, Mallillin 0, Mamuyac 0, Andrade 0.
UE 65 – Pasaol 22, Abanto 10, Maloles 9, Derige 6, Acuno 5, Bartolome 4, Olayon 4, Conner 3, Varilla 2, Manalang 0, Cullar 0, Armenion 0, Gagate 0.
Quarterscores: 18-11, 32-23, 60-52, 83-65.
