Defending champion Ateneo methodically took Far Eastern U out of its comfort zone as it overpowered the Tamaraws, 63-46, Saturday night in the UAAP Season 82 basketball tournament at MOA Arena.
Relying on their suffocating defense, the Blue Eagles held the Tamaraws to just 15 points in the first half and were hardly threatened in the second half as they extended their unbeaten start to three games.
Ivorian center Ange Kouame tallied 14 points and grabbed 14 rebounds to go with three blocks, while Adrian Wong delivered a breakout performance, pouring 13 points for an Ateneo team that once again struggled with its shots.
“If we shot the ball better, the score would have been a lot more flattering,” said Ateneo coach Tab Baldwin. “But we did a good job, keeping FEU’s offense unbalanced.”
Thirdy Ravena added 12 points and 10 rebounds for the Eagles, who prevailed with plenty to spare as their swarming defense forced the Tamaraws into tough shots.
No player breached twin digits in scoring for the Tamaraws, who shot 29 percent on the floor on their way to the second loss in three games.