Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
Ateneo reached a different altitude in the UAAP Season 80 men’s basketball tournament after scoring its eight straight win at the expense of Adamson University, 71-59, Saturday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The league-leading Blue Eagles soared to an 8-0 card while putting a stop to the Soaring Falcons’ four-game win streak.
The 5-3 Soaring Falcons fell to third place relinquishing its share of the second spot to defending champion De La Salle that has a 6-2 card.
BJ Andrade gave Ateneo its biggest lead of the game at 71-50 with a booming triple with 2:02 left.
After a close 31-24 first half, the Blue Eagles eventually managed to shake off the Soaring Falcons in the third taking a 13-point lead, 54-41, into the final period.
“It was a defensive game, Adamson is a very good defensive team, the 23 points we scored in the third quarter was the pivotal cushion for us,” said Ateneo assistant coach Sandy Arespacochaga.
“We wanted to make sure our defense did not let us down and that the defense would lead opportunities for us on the break.”
Ateneo’s vise grip held Adamson to season-lows in points scored as the Soaring Falcons converted just one of their 18 tries from deep.
The Blue Eagles also hounded Adamson’s shot takers with the Soaring Falcons tallying just five assists.
Thirdy Ravena led Ateneo with 15 points and nine rebounds while Vince Tolentino added eight points and six boards.
Papi Sarr had 15 points and nine rebounds to lead Adamson.