Ateneo reached higher altitudes after sacking University of the East, 90-70, and grabbing hold of the top spot in the UAAP Season 81 men’s basketball tournament Wednesday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The Blue Eagles flew past idle Adamson (7-2) and improved to a league-best 8-2 record while the Red Warriors languished at the bottom with a 1-9 slate after their fifth straight loss.
Ateneo firmly had the game in hand as early as the second quarter, going on a 28-9 scoring spree heading to the break with a 57-24 lead.
Although UE outscored the Blue Eagles 27-16 in the third, it hardly made a dent with the defending champions still holding a 22-point buffer, 73-51.
Angelo Kouame led the Blue Eagles with 18 points, 16 rebounds, and three blocks while Tyler Tio added 16 points.
Alvin Pasaol carried much of the Red Warriors’ offense with 29 points while grabbing 14 rebounds while Philip Manalang pitched in 18 points, six rebounds, and seven assists.