Ateneo dominates NU for 5-0 record

Photo from UAAP

Defending champion Ateneo had little trouble in disposing of National University, 71-50, to remain undefeated in the UAAP Season 82 men’s basketball tournament Sunday at Ynares Center in Antipolo.

The Blue Eagles raced to an early double-digit lead and showed no letup en route to their fifth win.

Angelo Kouame made his presence felt on both ends with 15 points, 13 rebounds, three assists, two steals and seven blocks to spearhead Ateneo’s assault.

“Our field goal percentage doesn’t flatter our play really at 40 percent. It’s something we need to continue to work on but also at the other end of the floor our defense is doing a good job,” Ateneo coach Tab Baldwin said. “It’s generating turnovers and converting those into easy points on the fastbreak. That’s always a good thing for your offense. Generally, I thought our effort was where it needed to be.”

“It was a good game for the team. We competed in the first quarter up until the last minute. I give credit to them because they pressure and they presented problems really tough for us. We tried to keep improving, keep the same energy, keep going in the game,” the 6-foot-10 Kouame said.

Gian Mamuyac added 13 while Thirdy Ravena chipped in eight points and seven rebounds for the Eagles, whose lead swelled to as high as 25, 65-40, with four minutes left.

The Bulldogs took their first convincing defeat for the first time this season. Their first four games ended in heartbreaking fashion, including three one-point losses.

Dave Ildefonso was the lone NU player in double-digit scoring with 10.