Red-hot Ateneo takes down FEU, grabs share of 2nd spot

Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

Ateneo toppled another powerhouse, humbling Far Eastern University, 74-59, to gain a share of second place in the UAAP Season 79 men’s basketball tournament Wednesday at Mall of Asia Arena.

The Blue Eagles banked on their superb three-point shooting in the first half and survived the Tamaraws’ furious endgame rally to roll to their on to their fourth straight win.

“It was a tough game for us. We faced a very tough team and we really had to battle this team on the boards. Our mindset was we really have to put in a lot of effort in rebounding,” said coach Sandy Arespacochaga, whose team blew out No. 1 La Salle four days ago. “It was a collective effort for us.”

READ: No sweep as Ateneo deals La Salle first loss in UAAP Season 79

Thirdy Ravena poured six of his 15 points in the final five minutes of the game, on top of 11 rebounds and two assists, while Isaac Go got 14 markers and seven boards.

Adrian Wong chimed in 12 points on a 4-of-8 shooting from threes in the big victory.

Ateneo got going from downtown, making 7-of-13 in the first half before erecting a 55-32 advantage late in the third.

Prince Orizu and Raymar Jose tried to will FEU back in the fourth, trimming the lead down to seven, 63-56, but Ravena came to the rescue for the Blue Eagles in the clutch to force a tie at second spot at 8-4.

The Blue Eagles slightly gained an edge in the boards, 51-48, but what worked wonders was their defense that held the Tamaraws to just 25 percent from the field.

Ateneo also continued its mastery of FEU after its 76-71 first round win two months ago.

Monbert Arong topped FEU with 15 points, four rebounds, and five assists as his team fell to its second straight defeat.

Orizu got 11 markers and 16 boards, while Jose had 10 points on a paltry 2-of-11 clip, on top of 15 rebounds.

The scores:

ATENEO 74 – Ravena 15, Go 14, Wong 12, Mi. Nieto 8, Black 7, Tolentino 4, Porter 4, Asistio 3, Ma. Nieto 3, Ikeh 2, Mendoza 2, Verano 0, Ildefonso 0.

FEU 59 – Arong 15, Orizu 11, Jose 10, Tuffin 10, Escoto 6, Dennison 3, Comboy 3, Roxas 1, Trinidad 0, Inigo 0, Bayquin 0, Holmqvist 0, Denila 0, Nunag 0.

Quarters: 24-14, 46-28, 58-46, 74-59.