UAAP: Blue Eagles claw Tamaraws, tighten hold of top spot

MANILA, Philippines—Defending champion Ateneo pulled away in the final quarter to re-establish its dominance over Far Eastern University, 77-64, in a physical game graced by the presence of NBA star Rajon Rondo Wednesday night in the UAAP Season 75 men’s basketball tournament at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

The Blue Eagles racked up their eighth win in nine games to maintain their hold of first place and also stretch their winning streak versus the Tamaraws to eight.

Juami Tiongson sizzled from downtown en route to a 16-point night to go along with three rebounds and four assists.

Tiongson made back-to-back treys that extended Ateneo’s lead to 17, 65-48, with 5:29 remaining. FEU threatened a comeback before Von Pessumal nailed another three off a kickout pass by Kiefer Ravena gave the momentum back to the Blue Eagles.

FEU, which led by seven in the second quarter, blew a chance to claim the top spot and instead settled for a second-place tie with University of Santo Tomas.