Photo from UAAP
MANILA, Philippines—Defending champion Ateneo kept University of Santo Tomas’ gunners in check in the first half as it rolled to a 66-52 victory Saturday night for its eighth straight victory in UAAP Season 82 at Mall of Asia Arena.
The Blue Eagles came out ferocious on the defensive end, holding the Tigers to just 17 points on 22 percent shooting in the first two periods before fending off an uprising in the second half.
Thirdy Ravena finished with 17 points, but committed eight turnovers, while sophomore SJ Belangel tallied 11 points, built on three treys, for the Eagles, who once again prevailed despite a sub-par shooting night.
Ateneo coach Tab Baldwin paid tribute to his team’s tough defensive stand against a UST team that only lost to the Blue Eagles by a single point in their first-round meeting.
“I’m glad we don’t have to play those guys again, but we probably will,” said Baldwin. “It was a tough and physical game, probably too physical.”
The Eagles set the tone by taking Mark Nonoy, Rhenz Abando and Soulemane Chabi Yo out of their comfort zone in the first half as the trio combined for just 3-of-15 shooting.
The Tigers picked up the pace in the second half with Nonoy and Renzo Subido finally hitting their stride, but Belangel’s timely three-pointers in the fourth period shut the door on the comeback.
“We thank God for our defense,” said Baldwin. “It continues to be something that is difficult for the opposition.”
Tigers remained in third spot even with the loss. But their 4-4 record is just half a game ahead of Far Eastern U and De La Salle and a full game ahead of University of the East and Adamson, which share the sixth and seventh spots.