NU strikes Ateneo, sweeps season series
Clint Doliguez of Ateneo is block by Alfred Aroga of NU at the Smart Araneta. INQUIRER PHOTO/AUGUST DELA CRUZ
MANILA, Philippines—Cameroonian import Alfred Aroga played big on both ends of the floor as the National University repeated its conquest of the Ateneo de Manila University, 76-66, in UAAP Season 77 men’s basketball tournament at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Sunday.
Aroga finished with near triple-double numbers as he collected 15 points, 11 rebounds, and eight blocks to lead the Bulldogs who handed the Eagles their lone defeat in the first round, 64-60. Four other Bulldogs scored in double digits as Troy Rosario had 14, Gelo Alolino had 13, Paolo Javelona added 12, and Glenn Khobuntin finished with 11 markers.
Aroga’s defense was pivotal in the first half when the Bulldogs established double-digit leads, while his offense came at a time when the Blue Eagles were threatening to cut the advantage.
Ateneo’s Kiefer Ravena led all scorers with 18 points albeit for a losing cause.
The two squads are now tied in third place, carrying an identical 7-3 win-loss record, behind league-leading De La Salle University and Far Eastern University.
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