Ateneo showed no remorse in handing University of Santo Tomas its third straight loss, an 85-53 destruction Saturday in the UAAP Season 81 men’s basketball tournamen at Filoil Flying V Centre.
The second seeded Blue Eagles bumped their winning streak to four games and climbed to a 4-1 standing to stay half-a-game behind league leader Adamson University, which has a 5-0 card.
The Blue Eagles wasted no time in establishing their command early on and limited the Growling Tigers to just eight points in the second quarter while putting up 18 of their own to head into the halftime break with a 37-18 lead.
Ateneo then drove its rule further in the third quarter taking a 27-point lead, 57-30, after SJ Belangel’s three-pointer.
The loss not only sent the Growling Tigers, 1-3, falling to a three-way tie with University of the Philippines and National University at the seventh seed, it was also the worst defeat of Aldin Ayo’s coaching career.
Ateneo assistant coach Sandy Arespacochaga said it was important for his big men to step up with the absence of Raffy Verano, who sprained his ankle in their previous game.
“It was a good effort for the team and we all know that Raffy won’t be able to play and it was important for our bigs to step up,” said Arespacochaga who saw his team outrebound UST 50-41.
Ateneo’s defense also limited the Growling Tigers to just 18 field goals in 68 attempts while the Blue Eagles had almost double that mark with a 34-of-73 clip.
Angelo Koume led the Blue Eagles with 20 points, 15 rebounds, and four blocks while Thirdy Ravena had 11 points and two blocks with Isaac Go pitching in eight points and 11 boards.
Renzo Subido led UST with 19 points while rookie CJ Cansino had a 15-point, 10-rebiund double-double.