Blue Eagles foil Tamaraws comeback for 2nd win

Ateneo Blue Eagles vs FEU Tamaraws in a UAAP Season 79 game. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

Ateneo fended off a Far Eastern University fightback to win, 76-71, in the UAAP Season 79 men’s basketball tournament Wednesday at Mall of Asia Arena.

The Blue Eagles blew a double-digit lead twice as the Tamaraws pulled even, 66-all, with 2:15 left before Ateneo guard Anton Assistio completed a three-point play and made it 71-66 with 1:22 left.

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“Going into the game, we knew that we’re going against a tough team in FEU,” said Ateneo head coach Sandy Arespacochaga.

Thirdy Ravena redeemed himself from a two-point outing in a loss to National University on Sunday with 17 points in less than 17 minutes off the bench to power the Blue Eagles to their second victory in three starts.

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“It was good na binigay namin yung effort namin. This game was about who wants it most,” said Ravena.

Wendell Comboy scored a game-high 20 points, but only had four in the second half to lead the Tamaraws.

Captain Raymar Jose added a double-double with 16 points and 10 rebounds while Prince Orizu had 16 points and 16 rebounds but FEU needed more from its other players as it slipped to 1-2.