12 September 2018
By Maxine Louise Lagman
Manila, Philippines – Ateneo de Manila University bounced back from their first game loss in the UAAP Season 81 men’s basketball tournament as they defeated Katipunan-based squad University of the Philippines, 87-79, Wednesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
After a devastating loss from their opening game against Adamson University, Ateneo was back to prove who the defending UAAP champions are.
The Blue Eagles were hot on their heels from the get go and came to the second half with a three-point lead.
They never let go of that and continued on coming into the third quarter with seven consecutive shots to create a comfortable double-digit cushion against the rising Fighting Maroons, 53-43.
With Thirdy Ravena on the frontrow, Ateneo maintained their momentum until the payoff period with a 75-62 advantage, under seven minutes left in the game.
To make matters worse for UP, coach Bo Perasol was thrown out of the game after a confrontation with an official.
The Maroons were pushed to do better and took an 8-0 run, which was capped off by a stunning triple from former Rookie of the Year Juan Gomez de Liano, 70-75.
However, the time ran out for UP as Ateneo extended back the lead to 10, 83-73, and never looked back as Ravena pushed his teammates to victory.
Ravena had a 17-points 11-boards double-double for the win, while Anton Asistio added 16 markers.
Juan Gomez De Liano led UP with 29 points, but it was not enough to get the win.
The Scores:
ATENEO 87 — Ravena 17, Asistio 16, Kouame 14, Ma. Nieto 12, Mi. Nieto 7, Go 5, Mendoza 5, Wong 5, Verano 4, Black 2, Belangel 0, Navarro 0.
UP 79 — Ju. Gomez de Liano 29, Desiderio 15, Manzo 9, Akhuetie 8, Ja. Gomez de Liano 5, Murrell 4, Dario 3, Gozum 2, Prado 2, Vito 2, Jaboneta 0, Lim 0, Spencer 0, Tungcab 0.
Quarters: 25-24, 46-43, 67-58, 87-79.
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