24 October 2018
By Maxine Louise Lagman
Manila, Philippines – Ateneo De Manila University rose atop the standings after demolishing University of the East, 90-70, in the UAAP Season 81 men’s basketball tournament on Wednesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The Blue Eagles improved to an 8-2 win-loss record and claimed the top spot of the tournament, with rival Adamson University following behind with a 7-2 slate.
Ateneo was hot from the start and initiated an early 14-point advantage, 29-15. Angelo Kouame then shot back-to-back baskets, which boosted the Blue Eagles to extend their lead by as much as 33 points by the end of the first half, 57-24.
Kouame already posted a double-double record in the first half, 14 points and 13 rebounds, and continued his hot shooting and incredible rebounding in the second half to help the Blue Eagles stop the surging Red Warriors.
Alvin Pasaol led his squad for an 11-0 run to start the second half to cut the deficit to 20 points, 60-40. He even took on an 8-2 run in the payoff period, 79-62, in the last five minutes of the game.
However, Ateneo never became complacent in the game and gave UE a hard time to come close within range.
Kouame later on finished the game with an 18-points, 16-rebound double-double on top of three blocks, while Tyler Tio, who still plays for Matt Nieto, had 16 markers.
Raffy Verano chipped in 14 markers, while Jolo Mendoza knocked down 10 points – all in the first half. Thirdy Ravena also didn’t disappoint on his comeback game with 10 markers.
On the other hand, Pasaol led UE with 29 points, 14 rebounds and three steals and Philip Manalang had 18 markers, six boards and seven dimes in the losing effort.
The Scores:
ATENEO 90 – Kouame 18, Tio 16, Verano 14, Ravena 10, Mendoza 10, Mamuyac 6, Belangel 6, Navarro 5, Black 3, Daves 2, Asistio 0, Wong 0, Go 0, Andrade 0
UE 70 – Pasaol 29, Manalang 18, Varilla 9, Cullar 6, Bartolome 4, Stait 2, Guion 1, Beltran 1, Gallardo 0, Lacap 0, Antiporda 0, Acuno 0, Gagate 0
QUARTER SCORES: 29-15, 57-24, 73-51, 90-70
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