Ateneo de Manila University asserted its dominance over the 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.