Buenafe scores in clutch as Ateneo edges UST in UAAP 75 classic

MANILA, Philippines — Ateneo edged University of Santo Tomas, 68-66, to snare the twice-to-beat incentive in another classic clash Saturday in the 75th UAAP men’s basketball tournament at the Mall of Asia Arena.

An and-one opportunity by Ryan Buenafe, which was ruled counted after Karim Abdul’s goal tending violation, with 5.1 seconds left gave the Blue Eagles the final advantage.

Aljon Mariano, who had a subpar game despite bailing out UST in its first meeting with Ateneo, had a chance to win the game for the Growling Tigers but misfired on a trey as the time expired.