Ateneo’s Ange Kouame. UAAP PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines–The Ateneo juggernaut is rolling closer to what is fast becoming a foregone conclusion, drubbing Adamson, 91-57, to go just within two wins away from outright UAAP Season 84 men’s basketball finals spot.
The Blue Eagles picked their 12th win in the tournament at the expense of the Falcons who were on a four-game winning run entering the game. Adamson dropped to its first loss in the second round for a 5-7 record.
Six-foot-11 Ange Kouame scored 18 points for Ateneo which had the luxury of sitting the Ivory Coast native when the Blue Eagles began to take control entering the second quarter.
The victory kept Ateneo’s winning steak to 38 games dating back to two seasons ago and put it in the position of repeating what it did in Season 82 where it went unbeaten all the way to the title.
Adamson, displaying the understated but highly effective defensive game, kept control of most of the first quarter, leaving Ateneo by three, 15-12, on a three-pointer by Lenda Douanga.
But that was the last time they were at the driver’s seat as the Blue Eagles shifted their defensive tack, forcing the Falcons to commit six straight turnovers which ultimately spelled their doom.
By the end of third quarter, Adamson committed 18 turnovers. And by then, the Eagles are clutching a 65-41 advantage.
Adamson could only score seven points in the second quarter as it found no one to match Ateneo in offense except for Jerom Lastimosa.
The Scores:
Ateneo 91 — Kouame 18, Daves 18, Koon 8, Ildefonso 7, Belangel 7, Padrigao 6, Tio 6, Verano 6, Mamuyac 6, Mendoza 4, Andrade 3, Lazaro 2, Gomez 0.
Adamson 57 — Lastimosa 16, Manzano 8, Yerro 8, Douanga 6, Barasi 5, Hanapi 4, Sabandal 3, Peromingan 3, Colonia 2, Magbuhos 2, Jaymalin 0, Zaldivar 0, Maata 0, Fuentebella 0, Erolon 0, Calisay 0.
Quarters: 20-17, 40-24, 65-41, 91-57.