Thirdy Ravena of Ateneo (left) tries to make an attempt against NU's Issa Gaye. PETER ATENCIO
The National University Bulldogs kept it close until the end of the third quarter.
But when the Ateneo Blue Eagles held them to seven points in the last period, they came out with an 85-72 beating of the Bulldogs last night at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Thirdy Ravena banged in a game-high 15 points for the Blue Eagles, who went on to post their ninth straight win in the 80th University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) men’s basketball tournament.
The Bulldogs responded to the Bulldogs’ interior defense with their outside shooting.
Ravena’s undergoal stab, triple, and putback in the last 6:10 started Ateneo breakaway.
It came during a 9-1 blast and handed Ateneo a decisive 76-66 advantage.
Then, a pair of treys from Raffy Verano and Ravena then put the Blue Eagles in control for the rest of the game.
Ravena struck five triples, including one which gave Ateneo a 12-point edge in the last 4:13, 82-70, and with the victory, the Blue Eagles are a game closer to the first Final Four slot.
NU coach Jamike Jarin questioned a non-call afterward and was thrown out on his second technical foul.
“We had to respond to anything that they were going to throw at us,” remarked Ravena.
Jayjay Alejandro shot 22 points for NU, which now have a 3-5 win-loss card.
–UP player Ricafort gets court order to be allowed to play–
University of the Philippines Rob Ricafort will continue to play for the University of the Philippines this season.
The decision to let him keep on playing came after his camp obtained a preliminary injunction from the courts.
Fighting Maroons coach Bo Perasol said Ricafort will play for the coming games of UP.
He will be around on Sunday when UP goes up against the University of the East.