Blue Eagles earn Final Four spot, down Tamaraws

Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

Ateneo secured a Final Four seat after topping Far Eastern University, 70-59, to stay unbeaten in the UAAP Season 80 men’s basketball tournament Saturday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The Blue Eagles rose to 10-0 while the Tamaraws, who remained at fourth seed, fell to 5-5.

After trailing 50-47 at the end of the third, the Blue Eagles found their rhythm and outscored the Tamaraws, 23-9, in the fourth quarter.

Ateneo mounted a 20-7 run to gain control of the game with Raffy Verano capping off the scoring spurt with a layup that gave the Blue Eagles a 67-57 lead with 1:05 left in the game.

“We didn’t start off on the right foot, we had a bad first quarter but we are quite happy with the final three quarters,” said Ateneo assistant coach Sandy Arespacochaga, whose team trailed, 21-12, heading into the second period.

“They [Tamaraws] came into this game prepared and we have to expect that every game because it would be the case, and it would not be easier for us.”

Matt Nieto and Verano, who outscored the whole FEU team, 15-9, in the fourth quarter, led the Blue Eagles with 14 points apiece.

Ron Dennison led the Tamaraws with 12 points and eight boards while Arvin Tolentino produced an 11-point, 11-rebound double-double.