MANILA, Philippines – The Ateneo Blue Eagles booked a ticket back into the Final Four after beating the Adamson Falcons, 67-52, in the UAAP Season 77 men’s basketball tournament Saturday at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Top MVP candidate Kiefer Ravena led the Blue Eagles, who hiked their record to 10-3 good for solo second place, anew with 16 points, seven rebounds and four assists.
“Our defense kicked in during the third quarter and the early fourth quarter,” said Ateneo head coach Bo Perasol.
Chris Newsome wore a black mask after he was hit in the face during the Bluea Eagles’ game against the University of the Philippines last Wednesday and still wound up with 12 points, half of which came in the fourth period, that also went with 10 rebounds and six assists.
After clinching a semifinals spot, the Eagles now set their sights on a top two finish. And a win over the Far Eastern University Tamaraws, who are currently at the top of the standings with a 10-2 record, next Saturday will give them first place regardless if they end up sporting similar records due to superior quotient.
“We’re happy but we’re not satisfied yet,” Perasol said.
“I’m not satisfied,” Ravena echoed. “We’ve already talked about it that we wanted to go all the way. And we’re one step closer to it.”
Adamson skipper Don Trollano tallied a game-high 20 points. The Falcons, who trailed by as much as 21 and never got a taste of the lead, dropped to 0-13.
Both teams shot below 35% from the field and committed a ton of turnovers.
Last year, Ateneo missed the Final Four after finishing in fifth place.
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