Ateneo boots out FEU, to face NU in UAAP juniors basketball finals

MANILA, Philippines – Ateneo knocked off defending champion Far Eastern University-Diliman, 69-64, in the stepladder semifinal of the UAAP Season 76 juniors basketball tournament Saturday at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

The Blue Eaglets arranged a Finals meeting with the unbeaten National University Bullpups, who own a thrice-to-beat advantage for sweeping the elimination round, next Saturday at the MOA Arena.

Michael Nieto scored 14 points and 12 rebounds while Jose Escaler also had 14 for Ateneo, which recovered from a 9-17 hole early.

League MVP Thirdy Ravena chipped in 11 points, nine rebounds and two blocks for the Blue Eaglets.