Ateneo’s BJ Andrade. UAAP PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines–Ateneo limited University of the East to just three points in the second quarter and let it snowball to a 76-63 blowout, stretching its title winning streak to nine on Tuesday in the UAAP Season 84 men’s basketball at Mall of Asia Arena.
The Blue Eagles showed the dominance that has been on display all season, marching to their ninth victory that practically assured them of a spot in the next round. It was the 35th straight win for Ateneo which is looking to win its fourth consecutive title.
Shooting well in the first half, 35 percent against UE’s 28 percent, grabbing more rebounds (24-19) and dishing out more assists (12-4), Ateneo banked on top guards BJ Andrade and SJ Belangel to frustrate UE which absorbed its ninth defeat in as many games.
UE also didn’t have an answer to Ange Kouame as the 6-foot-11 Ateneo slot man and Gilas vital cog, who was unchallenged in the shaded lane. The Red Warriors fell by as much as 24 points, allowing Ateneo to pull out its starters entering the second half.
And without the Ateneo second unit in, UE tried to chip away at the deficit, through brothers Kyle and Nico Paranada, closing in 51-40 late in the third quarter.
Andrade finished with 19 points, while Kouame wound up with 14 points and 15 rebounds.
The Scores
ATENEO 76 — Andrade 19, Kouame 15, Belangel 13, Verano 6, Ildefonso 5, Lazaro 4, Chiu 4, Koon 3, Mamuyac 3, Tio 3, Padrigao 2, Mendoza 0, Daves 0, Gomez 0.
UE 63 — N. Paranada 18, Escamis 13, Pagsanjan 11, K. Paranada 7, Lorenzana 5, J. Cruz 3, Beltran 2, Tulabut 2, Sawat 2, Villanueva 0, Guevarra 0, Abatayo 0, P. Cruz 0, Antiporda 0.
Quarters: 20-17, 38-20, 56-44, 76-63.