Ateneo wallops UE, gets twice-to-beat advantage on semis

(Three Eagles and two Warriors battle for the rebound. Photo by Arvin Lim/ ABS-CBN sports)

The Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU) Blue Eagles clinched twice-to-beat advantage on the Final Four after overthrowing the University of the East (UE) Red Warriors, 97-73, in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 80 Men’s Basketball tournament, on Saturday at the Mall of Asia Arena.

The Blue Eagles played consistent basketball all throughout the game, not surrendering a single quarter to the Red Warriors.

The Katipunan-based squad recorded their season-high on points scored, field-goal percentage, assists and points in the paint in this game.

UE shot a poor 3/14 from behind the arc compared to ADMU’s 9/21 shooting clip.

Ateneo displayed a balanced attack with eight players scoring at least seven points led by Thirdy Ravena’s 17 points, eight rebounds, and four assists. Jolo Mendoza made 13 markers in 11 minutes.

Mark Maloles and Mark Olayon tried to save UE’s playoff hopes alive with 20 and 15 points, respectively.

After averaging 28.2 ppg in the last six games, King Warrior Alvin Pasaol registered his season-low eight markers on a 2/11 shooting, missing all of his four three-point attempts.

Ateneo maintained its immaculate record now at 11-0. UE slipped to 3-9.

The Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles will next face the winless University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigers on Saturday, Nov. 4 at the Big Dome while the University of the East Red Warriors battle the Far Eastern University Tamaraws on Sunday, November 5 at the same venue. KATE REYES