Ateneo heads to Final Four as top seed after destruction of UST

Ateneo showed no remorse despite playing in a non-bearing game as it ripped University of Santo Tomas apart, 102-62, in the UAAP Season 81 men’s basketball tournament Wednesday at Mall of Asia Arena.

The Blue Eagles already locked up a twice-to-beat advantage going into the game against the eliminated Growling Tigers but the defending champions knew momentum was still of utmost importance for them going to the semifinals.

A 16-0 start was enough for the defending champions, who own a league-best 12-2 record, to hold off the Growling Tigers who are missing star rookie CJ Cansino due to an ACL tear he suffered in their last game against University of the Philippines.

UST ended their season with 5-9 record for the sixth seed, a four-game improvement from their 1-13 finish in Season 80.

Ateneo assistant coach Sandy Arespacochaga said that even though they were assured of the top spot in the standings, and a twice-to-beat perk, they wouldn’t let relax one bit.

“The mentality in this game was this was not a no-bearing game,” said Arespacochaga who handled the team in the absence of head coach Tab Baldwin who had underwent some medical exams.

“Our players were serious and we wanted to make sure our players were serious from the start because UST’s a dangerous team and we wanted our preparations heading into the Final Four to go forward. We didn’t want to take a step back or relax.”

Ateneo pushed the ante in the third quarter taking a 44-point lead, 83-39, after Isaac Go’s free throws with 56 seconds left in the period.

Angelo Kouame led the Blue Eagles with 22 points, 10 rebounds, and three blocks while William Navarro added 17 points and five boards.

Renzo Subido paced UST with 18 points while Tobi Agustin had 15 points and nine boards.

Joshua Marcos also had a solid contribution for the Growling Tigers with 13 points and five rebounds.

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