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BY ADRIAN STEWART CO
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Friday, November 10, 2017
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MANILA – Ateneo Blue Eagles moved closer to an outright finals seat in the UAAP Season 80 men’s basketball after beating University of the Philippines Maroons 96-82 at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum.
Behind by as much as 12 points, Blue Eagles fought back in the third quarter Wednesday night with conversions from Thirdy Ravena and Matt Nieto to come to within 63-64.
Blue Eagles continued its surge in the fourth for a 79-68 lead on back-to-back treys by center Isaac Go but Maroons countered with a huge run to force a deadlock at 79-all.
Ateneo, however, showed poise in the endgame as hits by Nieto gave the team an 86-81 advantage. The lead grew to its largest at 14 points later with hits from Vince Tolentino and Ravena.
Nieto led the way with 19 points, Go and rookie Gian Mamuyac added 13 markers apiece, while Ravena and Tolentino pitched 10 points each for the league-leading Blue Eagles.
“Certainly, a lot of fight from UP in this game. They showed their heart and came up with a lot of intensity,” said Blue Eagles assistant coach Sandy Arespacochaga. “We are happy with this win and we are happy that the character of the players certainly showed.”
Blue Eagles, which currently has an immaculate 13-0 record, can secure a finals seat if it defeats rival and defending champion De La Salle University Green Archers at the close of the elimination on Nov. 12.
Juan Gomez De Liano led the way with 21 points while Andres Desiderio and Jun Manzo added 16 and 13 points, respectively, for Maroons, which dropped to 5-8 along with National University Bulldogs./PN
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