Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
Ateneo took down league-leader University of Santo Tomas, 80-74, to give its Final Four bid a boost in the UAAP Season 78 men’s basketball tournament Wednesday night at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Arvin Tolentino tied his career-high with 20 points to lead the Blue Eagles, who climbed to solo third with a 6-4 record while also foiling the Growling Tigers’ plans to nail a semifinals berth.
UST suffered only its second loss in 10 games but it relinquished the top seed to Far Eastern University.
“There were moments in the game where, personally, I was thinking to myself if this would be a second run for them (UST),” said Ateneo head coach Bo Perasol, recalling the Blue Eagles’ defeat to the Growling Tigers in the first round where his team blew a 16-point lead late in the third quarter.
“We just agreed we could match up well against UST.”
Ateneo took another double-digit lead on Wednesday before UST mounted another rally. Only this time, the Eagles were more prepared and they had an answer for the Tigers’ comeback in the form of Tolentino.
Tolentino went on a tear in the fourth quarter, firing three triples and a jumper that had Ateneo back up by 14, 73-59, with 4:37 remaining.
Ateneo’s seniors Von Pessumal scored 16 while Kiefer Ravena, being more patient on the offensive end, had 11 points, seven rebounds and five assists.
Ed Daquioag paced the Tigers with 19 points and nine rebounds while Marvin Lee added 15. Kevin Ferrer tallied 13 points but had one of his worst shooting performances going 1-of-11 from the field.