Ateneo de Manila University stayed undefeated through eight games, utilizing a huge second half over archrival De La Salle University, 75-68, Tuesday in the UAAP Season 84 men's basketball tournament at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
Ahead by just a point, the Blue Eagles uncorked a huge 18-2 storm to go ahead by 17, 57-40, before the Green Archers gained some points back to enter the fourth frame down by 13, 47-60.
DLSU was able to cut the lead to nine via Schonny Winston's fastbreak layup with 1:44 left in the payoff period but it was just too late as Ateneo held on to the lead for good.
“We really had to make adjustments,” said Ateneo coach Tab Baldwin. “I thought La Salle’s discipline on defense was outstanding. We figured a few things out in the second half.”
Ateneo rose to 8-0 while pulling DLSU down to 5-3, still at the third spot.
SJ Belangel and Gian Mamuyac tallied 15 points apiece, with the former adding six rebounds and three assists for the Blue Eagles.
Dave Ildefonso showed another facet of his game with nine assists to go with nine points and seven rebounds.
Kurt Lojera played his best game in green with 21 points and six rebounds while Evan Nelle chipped in 20 points and four steals.
DLSU will try to bounce back next Tuesday when it squares off against University of Santo Tomas at 12:30 pm, while Ateneo will battle cellar-dweller University of the East at 4:30 pm.
The Scores:
Ateneo 75 - Belangel 15, Mamuyac 15, Ildefonso 9, Andrade 9, Kouame 7, Tio 6, Verano 4, Koon 4, Daves 4, Chiu 0, Lazaro 0, Mendoza 0.
DLSU 68 - Lojera 21, Nelle 20, Baltazar 10, Winston 10, Phillips M. 3, Nonoy 3, Manuel 1, Phillips B. 0, Cuajao 0, Nwankwo 0.
Quarterscores: 21-18, 35-32, 60-47, 75-68. (Dennis Lachica, Sportsmanila Photojournalist)