25 November 2018
By Maxine Louise Lagman
Manila, Philippines –Ateneo De Manila University wasted no time showing why they were the defending champions as they gave the Far Eastern University a beating, 80-61, in the UAAP Season 81 men’s basketball tournament on Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
With this win, Ateneo booked a ticket to their third straight Finals appearance and hopes to continue their championship streak in the UAAP after winning against the De La Salle University last year.
They will face either University of the Philippines or Adamson University after its do-or-die game on Wednesday at the Big Dome.
The Blue Eagles blasted the Tamaraws from the get-go with an 8-0 run, six of which came from Thirdy Ravena, who also shot back-to-back slam dunks. The Tams tried to retaliate, but Ateneo put on a well-guarded defense that limited FEU to just nine points in the first quarter.
LJ Gonzales and Prince Orizu led FEU have a better footing in the second period, but it was not enough to overcome the rigorous Eagles, who outscored FEU still, 21-15 for a 38-24 output at the half.
Ravena and Kouame led ADMU in the second half as the Blue Eagles remained relentless until they took that win.
They annihilated FEU with a 15-0 burst opening the third quarter, which gave FEU no room to recover as Alec Stockton was even thrown out of the game after he was caught hitting Ravena.
Ateneo cruised to victory from there, even after Ravena also got fouled out late in the payoff period.
Ravena paved the way for Ateneo and filled the stat sheet with 22 points, seven rebounds, four assists and two steals, while Kouame finished with a double-double record of 18 markers and 11 boards on top of four blocks.
On the other hand, Barkley Ebona led FEU with nine points, while Prince Orizu and Ramirez had seven points each in the losing effort.
The Scores:
ATENEO 80 – Ravena 22, Kouame 18, Verano 7, Nieto Ma 6, Go 6, Nieto Mi 5, Belangel 4, Mamuyac 3, Asistio 3, Mendoza 3, Black 2, Tio 1, Wong 0, Navarro 0, Daves 0, Andrade 0
FEU 61 – Ebona 9, Orizu 7, Ramirez 7, Gonzales 6, Inigo 5, Tolentino 5, Stockton 5, Tuffin 4, Parker 4, Escoto 4, Comboy 3, Cani 2, Bienes 0, Bayquin 0, Jopia 0, Nunag 0
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