MANILA, Philippines–Ateneo turned up the heat on the defensive end in the second half to subdue Far Eastern U, 65-55, Wednesday for its 11th straight victory in UAAP Season 82 basketball tournament at Mall of Asia Arena.
The Blue Eagles rallied from a 13-point deficit – the biggest hole they were on so far this season – in the third period before pulling away late as they moved three games away from completing an elimination round sweep and an outright finals berth.
Thirdy Ravena and Ange Kouame finished with 10 points each, while Pat Maagdenberg came through with nine points off the bench for the Eagles, who held the Tamaraws to just 15 points in the second half.
“We became who we believe we are in the second half,” said Ateneo coach Tab baldwin. “We locked down defensively and rebounded better. The players came out with a purpose.”
FEU shot just 5-of-29 in the second half. Ateneo also ended up outrebounding FEU, 34-17, in the last two quarters.
Ranged against an Ateneo team that was playing its fourth game in 12 days, the Tamaraws rode the momentum of their strong finish in the win over University of Santo Tomas, quickly breaking out of the gates and racing to a 7-0 lead. But while the Eagles countered, FEU seized a 40-29 lead at the break behind LJ Gonzales, who shot 4-of-4 in the first half.
Ateneo finally wiped out the FEU lead in the fourth with Isaac Go and Adrian Wong combining for five quick points for a 51-47 advantage.
Thirdy Ravena scored on an undergoal stab, before Kouame’s putback with 1:29 left finally ended the FEU resistance, 63-55.
“FEU gave us that wake up call in the second half,” said Baldwin.
The Scores:
ATENEO 65 — Kouame 10, Ravena 10, Maagdenberg 9, Navarro 8, Wong 8, Belangel 5, Daves 4, Ma. Nieto 4, Mamuyac 3, Go 2, Mi. Nieto 2, Andrade 0, Tio 0.
FEU 55 — Gonzales 12, Bienes 8, Comboy 8, Tuffin 6, Cani 4, Ebona 4, Stockton 4, Tchuente 4, Torres 3, Alforque 2.
Quarters: 15-18, 29-40, 46-47, 65-55.
POST-GAME INTERVIEW