The Ateneo Blue Eagles, who are having their best start in three seasons, took control of the game early.
But coach Sandy Arespacochaga is not totally impressed, especially with the way they finish the game.
The Blue Eagles posted a 94-84 stopping of the University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigers last night at the Araneta Coliseum but not after a big scare.
Matt Nieto scored a season 22 points, matching highest output last season as he showed the way for the Blue Eagles in their fifth straight win in the 80th University Athletic association of the Philippines men’s basketball tournament.
The Blue Eagles are now solidly perched in the solo lead with two wins ahead of La Salle and University of the Philippines (3-1).
The coaches, Tab Baldwin and Arespachocaga got concerned after the Blue Eagles gave up a 21-point lead, and after taking a 69-47 edge in the last 7:23 of the third quarter.
From there, Marvin Lee led a big Tigers rally with 10 points, and they came within range with his two freebies in the last 15.9 seconds, 71-76.
A 9-0 run in the last period, which Lee capped with a triple put UST dangerously close, 80-81.
But a 6-0 counterattack behind the sniping of Anton Asistio, Vince Tolentino and Thirdy Ravena allowed Ateneo to get their big lead back eventually, first with a 87-80 spread.
At that point, UST missed their next eight field goal attempts, eight charity shots, and committed five turnovers, in the last 6:20 of the game.
Defense eventually kept UST’s scoring to 13 points in the last period.
“We limited them to 13 points in the fourth. Maybe, that’s why we won. And on defense, we need to improve on that aspect,” said Arespacochaga.
Lee led with 22 points for UST, which absorbed its fifth straight setback.
So far, this is the Blue Eagles’ best start after winning three straight games in season 77, and after coming up with 13 conasecutive triumphs in season 74.