Ateneo closes in on PBA D-League crown, gets back at CEU

Angelo Kouame backs up against a defender in the PBA D-League finals game on Thursday. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines—Ateneo took a decisive 2-1 series lead with a commanding 67-52 victory over Centro Escolar University in the 2019 PBA D-League finals Thursday at Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.

Despite a 25-minute rain delay, the Blue Eagles were able to weather out any disturbance with BJ Andrade’s three-pointer giving Ateneo a 63-39 lead midway through the fourth.

This was a huge bounce back victory for Ateneo after a shock 77-74 loss in Game 2 against the Scorpions, who fielded just eight players.

“We wanted to play better defense because we went a little bit away from our defensive system last game,” said Ateneo assistant coach Sandy Arespacochaga. “We wanted to get that back for today’s game.”

“The mental adjustment of course was coach Tab [Baldwin] always reminds us to be present each game and that we can’t look past this one.”

Thirdy Ravena led Ateneo’s offense with 12 points with eight rebounds but struggled mightily on his shots hitting just 4-of-17 from the field.

Angelo Kouame was big for the Blue Eagles with 10 points, seven rebounds, and nine blocks.

Maodo Diouf led the Scorpions with 19 points and 20 rebounds.

The Blue Eagles can claim the title on Game 4 Tuesday at the same venue.