22 September 2018
By Maxine Louise Lagman
Manila, Philippines – Defending champion Ateneo De Manila University showed a much-needed tenacity to defeat National University, 72-46, Saturday in the UAAP Season 81 men’s basketball tournament at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
NU’s 46-point output is the lowest record in the UAAP tournament since Ateneo defeated UP in 2015, 56-43.
The Blue Eagles showed no mercy as they limited the Bulldogs to only 18 points in the first half, 9 markers each quarter, thanks to their tough defense.
Their sharp shooting and tactical offense came alive in the second half, once again limiting the Bulldogs to only 28 points until the buzzer went off.
Thirdy Ravena had 13 points, four rebounds and three assists, while Anton Asistio chipped in nine markers for their second consecutive win.
On the other hand, Enzo Joson finished with 11 points as NU dropped to a 1-2 slate.
The Scores:
ATENEO 72 – Ravena 13, Asistio 9, Wong 7, Nieto Mi. 7, Go 6, Verano 6, Black 6, Kouame 5, Belangel 5, Andrade 3, Nieto Ma. 2, Daves 2, Mamuyac 1, Navarro 0, Mendoza 0, Tio 0.
NU 46 – Joson 11, Tibayan 8, Clemente 7, Gallego 6, Ildefonso D. 4, Ildefonso S. 4, Rike 2, Galinato 2, Malonzo 2, Gaye 0, Diputado 0, Sinclair 0, Aquino 0, Yu 0, Morido 0, Salim 0.
QUARTER SCORES: 11-9, 33-18, 49-30, 72-46
Follow the writer on Twitter: @meanxi
Photo Gallery at https://www.facebook.com/Burnsports/
