FILE – Ateneo’s Tyler Tio dribbles the ball during a UAAP game against Adamson. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines — Ateneo clamped down on University of the Visayas in the fourth quarter to win, 95-63, for the first finals slot in the Philippine Collegiate Champions League Saturday at Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.
The Blue Eagles broke loose in the final frame, where they outscored the Green Lancers, 33-6.
SJ Belangel spearheaded the Blue Eagles’ attack anew with 20 points.
Tyler Tio chipped in 16 points, while Will Navarro and Dwight Ramos 14 and 11 points, respectively as Ateneo moved on the threshold of repeating as tournament champions.
“They were physical so we got bothered in during the first half,” said assistant coach Gabby Severino, who was speaking on behalf of Eagles chief mentor Tab Baldwin.
“We just went back to the basic things,” he added.
UV, which was coming off a stunning upset of Cesafi champion Southwestern University, drew 21 points from Lassina Coulibly.
Melvin Botuhan, Jancork Cabahug, and Michael Maestre all finished with double-digit scores for the Green Lancers, who kept it close in the middle quarters.
Baldwin, who politely declined interviews following his hospitalization last weekend, said he didn’t want the spotlight on him. He did, however, note that he is “doing OK.”
Ateneo awaits for the winner of the San Beda-University of the Philippines clash, which is being played as of press time.
The Scores:
ATENEO 95 — Belangel 20, Tio 16, Navarro 14, D. Ramos 11, Kouame 9, Mamuyac 7, Mallillin 6, Credo 5, Daves 4, Chiu 2, E. Ramos 1, Fornilos 0, Berjay 0.
UV 63 — Coulibaly 21, Botuhan 12, Cabahug 11, Maestre 11, Maglasang 3, Delator 3, Cometa 2, Saga 0, Tarrosa 0.
Quarters: 22-10, 37-31, 62-57, 95-63.