Ateneo remained undefeated as they near a season sweep after overthrowing University of Santo Tomas, 102-83, Saturday in the UAAP Season 80 men’s basketball tournament at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The Blue Eagles kept their immaculate 12-0 record, while the Growling Tigers were sent to a depressing 0-13 card.
“Last week, coach Tab mentioned that we should focus on UST. We expected they’d give it their best no matter the situation in the standings,” said Ateneo assistant coach Sandy Arespacochaga.
UST was able to cut Ateneo’s 16 point lead to just five, 75-70 late in the third quarter, however, the surging Blue Eagles took back their momentum in the last quarter to keep themselves ahead.
With 2:20 left in the fourth, Thirdy Ravena capped off Ateneo’s 17-7 run with a one-handed dunk over Regie Boy Basibas that gave the Blue Eagles a 92-77 lead to silence the arena.
“The highlight of the game was the dunk, but for us, the real highlight was the offensive rebound,” claimed Arespacochaga, praising Chibueze Ikeh for grabbing the offensive board and saw Ravena for an open basket.
Ravena powered Ateneo with 20 points, eight rebounds, seven assists and two steals, while Matt Nietto chipped in 19 points, spiked by five triples.
“Our offense is good. We had a lot of ball movement, a lot of assists and we found our cutters and shooters,” added Arespacochaga as Ateneo tallied 23 assists and just 14 turnovers.
Oliver De Guzman led UST with 19 points, while Jeepy Faundo finished with a double-double record of 11 points and 12 rebounds.
Jordan Sta. Ana and Steve Akomo added 12 markers each in the losing effort.
The Scores:
ADMU 102 – Ravena 20, Nieto Ma 19, Mamuyac 8, Go 7, Nieto Mi 7, Tio 7, Mallillin 7, Verano 6, Asistio 6, Black 6, Ikeh 5, Tolentino 4, Porter 0, Andrade 0, White 0
