Ateneo Blue Eagles escape NU Bulldogs, remain unscathed

(ADMU’s Chibueze Ikeh and NU’s Issa Gaye and Jayjay Alejandro battling for the loose ball. Photo by Josh Albelda/Rappler)

Ateneo De Manila University (ADMU) Blue Eagles continued to protect their clean slate as they beat the National University (NU) Bulldogs, 85-72 in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 80 men’s basketball tournament on Wednesday at the Mall of Asia Arena.

The Bulldogs experienced a roughness on the start of the game with 10-0 run imposed by the Blue Eagles but the heroics of Jayjay Alejandro allowed NU to cut the deficit and finally take the lead from Ateneo on the first half.

Ateneo Blue Eagles used their killing triples on the remaining quarters to put the team ahead from the Bulldogs hitting 11 shots from deep.

NU reserves produced a measly 19 points while Ateneo bench contributed 41 big points.

The Blue eagles continued their winning streak with a spotless 9-0 slate while the Bulldogs slid to a 3-6 card.

Thirdy Ravena led Ateneo with 15 points, eight boards, and two steals while Jolo Mendoza and Matt Nieto had 10 markers apiece.

Jayjay Alejandro attempted to lift the Bulldogs, establishing a game-high 22 points, seven rebounds, five assists, and three snatches, while Issa Gaye had eight markers and 14 caroms.

ADMU Blue Eagles will next fight the FEU Tamaraws on Saturday, October 21 at the Araneta Coliseum, while the NU Bulldogs will clash against woeful UST Growling Tigers on Sunday, October 22 at Filoil Flying V Centre.