League-leading Ateneo rises to 4-0, keeps UE winless

FILE PHOTO — Ateneo’s Thirdy Ravena goes for a layup against University of the Philippines during their game in the UAAP Season 80 men’s basketball tournament. Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

Ateneo remained unbeaten in the UAAP Season 80 men’s basketball tournament after whipping University of the East, 83-65, Sunday at Mall of Asia Arena.

The Blue Eagles improved to 4-0 while the Red Warriors tied University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigers at the bottom of the standings with identical 0-4 records.

Ateneo won by 18 but the Blue Eagles weren’t really able to establish complete dominance over the Red Warriors until the fourth period where Thirdy Ravena imposed himself.

Ravena scored five unanswered points to cap off Ateneo’s 10-1 run to put the Blue Eagles ahead, 77-60, in the final minutes.

“In the third we had the lead but we couldn’t really, we can’t say we had control of the game because they were keeping the score within distance,” said Ateneo assistant coach Sandy Arespacochaga. “It’s a good thing our players responded and we played efficient offense in the fourth.”

“UE is a tough team and I guess for a minute there we fell into the trap of thinking they were a 0-3 team and in the third we gave up 29 points against them.”

Ravena put up a team-high 21 points and eight rebounds to lead the Blue Eagles while Matt Nieto added 11 points. Mike Nieto and Aaron Black chipped in 10 points each.

Alvin Pasaol led UE with 22 points with Nick Abanto adding 10 points and nine rebounds.