The Ateneo Blue Eagles remains atop the standings after beating the National University Bulldogs, 85-72, Wednesday in the UAAP Season 80 men’s basketball tournament at the Mall of Asia Arena.
With the win, Ateneo climbed further into the top with an unbeaten 9-0 record, while NU remains at sixth place with a 3-6 card.
Proving to be a difficult competition, the Bulldogs showed their grit to take a three-point advantage by the end of the first half, 48-45. However, the Blue Eagles was able to gain momentum in the second half to take over the game.
“We weren’t happy with our defense, because we were outrebounded. That was a big emphasis in the half and we came out and played better defense in the second half, especially in the fourth quarter,” said assistant coach Sandy Arespacochaga.
Ateneo extended their third quarter 67-65 lead to an 82-70 lead in the playoff period after Matt Nieto shot a booming triple to cap off a stunning 15-5 run in the last 2:22 minutes left in the game.
The Blue Eagles came out strong beyond the arc as they converted 11 of their 32 attempts, while limiting the Bulldogs to just three.
“We hit 34 percent from the three-point range, so I think we did a good job of not getting rattled by their defense,” added Arespacochaga.
Thirdy Ravena led Ateneo with 15 points, eight rebounds and two steals, while Jolo Mendoza and Matt Nieto chipped in 10 points each.
On the other hand, Jjay Alejandro finished with a game-high 22 points, seven rebounds, five assists and three steals, while Issa Gaye hauled down 14 boards, along with eight points.
The Scores:
ADMU 85 – Ravena 15, Nieto Ma 10, Mendoza 10, Ikeh 8, Asistio 8, Mamuyac 8, Go 6, Nieto Mi 5, Tio 5, Verano 4, Tolentino 3, Black 3, White 0
