UAAP: Ateneo fends off Adamson’s comeback to kick off 3-peat bid

MANILA, Philippines—Ateneo displayed its championship quality and quelled Adamson’s uprising for the 70-52 victory in the UAAP Season 82 men’s basketball tournament Wednesday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The Blue Eagles used to a 13-0 closing run to stop the Soaring Falcons’ blistering late-game charge and kick off their three-peat bid on top.

Adamson went on a blistering 26-7 run bridging the third and fourth quarters to get to as close as five, 57-52, on Jerrick Ahanmisi’s layup after trailing by as much as 23 points.

Blue Eagles head coach Tab Baldwin was very much aware of Adamson’s quality as the Soaring Falcons finished second in the eliminations of Season 81 at 10-4 behind Ateneo’s 12-2.

Baldwin said Adamson was “the last team we wanted to see in the first game.”

“Franz [Pumaren] and his team play smart and intelligent, I thought we did a good job on Jerrick [Ahanmisi] and not letting him free,” said Baldwin. “Offensively, I thought we’re in too much of a hurry.”

“I expected more composure from my players and I think if we calmed our mind a little bit we would’ve been better in the offensive end.”

Angelo Kouame was a force in the middle for Ateneo putting up 17 points, 11 rebounds, three steals, and six blocks, three more than the whole Adamson team.

Thirdy Ravena also had a double-double for the Blue Eagles with 10 points and 13 rebounds while Will Navarro was one point shy with nine points and 11 boards.

Val Chauca had 17 points to lead Adamson.