Ateneo de Manila University asserted its dominance against University of Santo Tomas, 91-80, to close its UAAP Season 84 men's basketball tournament first round undefeated, Saturday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
The Blue Eagles, ahead by just six midway, ended the second quarter on a 14-4 blast to establish a 16-point halftime lead, 50-34.
But the Growling Tigers came out firing in the third frame with nine straight points to cut their deficit to seven via a Joshua Fontanilla layup with 8:12 to go, 43-50.
However, Ateneo kept its composure and was able to rebuild its 16-point advantage entering the fourth, 74-58.
“UST has always been like that,” said Ateneo assistant coach Sandy Arespacochaga. “We gave up 80 points. That’s a little bit too much for us. We’re happy we came out with a win.
Tyler Tio was lights out for the Blue Eagles with a career-high 20 points on an efficient 7-of-9 clip, including 4-of-5 shooting from deep.
BJ Andrade had an all-around game of 10 points, four assists, three rebounds, and two steals, while Ange Kouame got eight points, 10 rebounds, and two blocks.
Ateneo hiked to 7-0, and extended its UAAP winning streak to 33 games, while UST slipped to its third straight loss to 2-5.
Sherwin Concepcion delivered 22 points on a 6-of-14 clip from rainbow country to go with seven rebounds for the Growling Tigers
The Scores:
ATENEO 91 -- Tio 20, Andrade 10, Koon 9, Belangel 9, Kouame 8, Mamuyac 8, Ildefonso 6, Daves 6, Lazaro 4, Gomez 3, Chiu 3, Padrigao 3, Verano 2, Mallillin 0, Mendoza 0.
UST 80 -- Concepcion 22, Manalang 10, Fontanilla 9, Cabanero 9, Santos 9, M. Pangilinan 8, Mantua 5, Manaytay 3, Gomez de Liano 3, Ando 2, Samudio 0.
Quarterscores: 27-19, 50-34, 74-58, 91-80. (Dennis Lachica, Sportsmanila Photojournalist)