UAAP: Ateneo closes in on 1st round sweep, fends off UE

MANILA, Philippines–Defending champion Ateneo overcame another slow start to repulse University of the East, 85-68, last Wednesday and stay unbeaten in UAAP Season 82 men’s basketball at Mall of Asia Arena.

Trailing 34-35 at the end of the first half, the Blue Eagles came out with all guns blazing in the third period as they extended their unbeaten start to six games.

“The third quarter was the type of effort, the type of fire that I wanted from the team,” said Ateneo coach Tab Baldwin. “We can’t be passive, we can’t be tentative, but I was pretty happy with the third quarter.”

A victory over last year’s losing finalist University of the Philippines will complete a first round sweep for the Eagles, who are on a 16-game winning run dating back to last season.

Adrian Wong buried three triples and scored on a runner in the third period to trigger the breakaway for the Eagles, who outscored the Red Warriors, 35-15, in the quarter.

Ange Kouame pumped in 16 points and grabbed 12 rebounds, while Thirdy Ravena finished with 15 points and four assists.

Rey Suerte had 15 points, but committed six turnovers, while Alex Diakhite, who was hounded by foul trouble in the second half, finished with eight points.