In their final game before facing arch-rivals DLSU Green Archers, the Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles scored another dominant victory, demolishing the upstart University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigers, 85-53, Saturday afternoon at the Filoil Flying V Centre.
And it was Ivorian student-athlete Angelo Kouame who led Ateneo’s demolition team, going 8-for-9 from the field for 20 points alongside with 14 rebounds and five blocks. But it was not just Kouame who had a hand in the victory, as all but one of the Blue Eagles fielded scored in the contest.
“It was a very good effort for our team,” said Ateneo assistant coach Sandy Arespacochaga.
“It’s really important for our bigs to step up with Raffy [Verano] out,” added Arespacochaga, as Verano had sprained his right ankle during Ateneo’s win over UE last Wednesday. “Chew [Daves] and William [Navarro] had big shoes to fill. Of course, Isaac Go and Angelo Kouame did their roles as well. They were able to get rebounds against an aggressive UST team.”
Go had eight points and 11 rebounds as well.
The Blue Eagles did not let up in the wire-to-wire win, stepping on the pedal right from tip-off. At the half, Ateneo led by 19 points – one point higher than UST’s total output.
“With the pressure defense UST is known for, it was important for our guards to break it. SJ [Belangel] and Tyler [Tio] stepped up as well,” beamed Arespacochaga, as the duo combinde for 11 points and had just one turnover.
Ateneo would lead by as much as 36 points in the game, 84-48, with 34 seconds remaining.
Heading into next week’s rivalry game, Ateneo will sport a 4-1 record. The Blue Eagles also pushed the Growling Tigers down to 1-3.
Besides dropping UST to a logjam with the UP Fighting Maroons and the NU Bulldogs, Ateneo also dealt Aldin Ayo his worst loss in his four-year coaching career. Prior to this, it was a 71-83 loss to the Blue Eagles when he was still in La Salle back in November 5, 2016. This is also the lowest scoring output for an Ayo-mentored squad.
Renzo Subido was the high point-man for UST with 19 points, but he needed 21 attempts to reach it. CJ Cansino held his own, adding 15 points and 10 rebounds.
Ateneo will have a week-long break before facing arch-rivals De La Salle University Green Archers on Saturday, October 6, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena. On Wednesday, Ayo will face a familiar squad as UST takes on the DLSU Green Archers at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
The Scores:
ADMU 85 – Kouame 20, Ravena 11, Go 8, Asistio 8, Belangel 7, Nieto Mi 6, Nieto Ma 5, Daves 4, Tio 4, Wong 3, Andrade 3, Navarro 2, Black 2, Mamuyac 2, Mendoza 0
UST 53 – Subido 19, Cansino 15, Akomo 9, Huang 6, Lee 2, Mahinay 2, Cosejo 0, Marcos 0, Zamora 0, Bataller 0, Lagumen 0, Agustin 0
Quarterscores: 19-10, 37-18, 61-35, 85-53
