Ateneo maintains unblemished record, overthrows FEU Tamaraws

(ADMU center Vince Tolentino attempting a shot over FEU big man Prince Orizu. Photo from Marlo Cueto/ spin.ph)

The Ateneo De Manila University (ADMU) Blue Eagles remained undefeated after the win against the Far Eastern University (FEU) Tamaraws, 70-59, in the second round of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 80 Men’s Basketball Tournament on Saturday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The Blue Eagles managed to wake up just in time in the fourth quarter with great defensive plays and massive three-pointers to outscore the Tamaraws in the payoff period, 23-9.

Katipunan-based squad guards Raffy Verano and Matt Nieto took over in the fourth, combining for 15 points.

Verano’s scoop layup gave Ateneo the widest lead of the game, 67-57, with a minute and five ticks left in the final frame.

FEU gave the Eagles a scare in the first quarter, dominating both ends of the court, limiting Ateneo to 12 points while scoring 21.

Verano and Nieto both scored 14 points for Ateneo while Thirdy Ravena was limited to six markers, his season-low.

Ron Dennison led the Tamaraws with 14 points and eight caroms.

With the W, Blue Eagles clinched a spot in the final four with their 10-0 unscathed record while the FEU Tamaraws dropped to 5-5.

They will once again try to maintain their untarnished record against the UE Red Warriors while the FEU Tamaraws against the UP Fighting Maroons both on October 28 at the Mall of Asia Arena.