Ateneo trounces UE as Black gets 100th win as head coach

MANILA, Philippines — Norman Black chalked up his 100th win as Ateneo’s head coach as his squad delivered a 68-51 walloping of University of the East Saturday in the 75th UAAP men’s basketball tournament.

Thirteen players chipped in the scoring for the Blue Eagles, who put up a solid game in the third quarter which tilted a close match in their favor.

“The game was a little bit frustrating at first. We didn’t really look for each other in the first half,” said Black. “We played as a team in the third quarter that’s why we’re able to pull of the win.”

Ateneo turned a three-point edge at halftime into a 24-point bulge, 64-41, midway in the fourth on a jumper by Ryan Buenafe.

Greg Slaughter led Ateneo’s balanced attack with 14 points and 10 rebounds while Kiefer Ravena had 12 points, three rebounds and five assists.

Black, who has been coaching for the Blue Eagles for the last eight years, though, admits that the feat only means how long he’s been at the helm of the collegiate squad that has four-peated under his stewardship.

“It’s a pretty good accomplishment, but I’d rather win the championship this year,” said Black.

The Blue Eagles look right on track in their drive for five straight titles, posting a 5-1 record for the solo lead after their penultimate assignment in the first round.

The Red Warriors, on the other hand, dropped their fourth assignment after virtually letting go in the third quarter by just scoring five points.

UE fielded in all of its 16 players but only got points from six of them with Christopher Javier leading the way with 16 points.

Guard Roi Sumang, UE’s top scorer, was held to just 10 points along with five assists and two steals.