Blue Eagles trample Growling Tigers

Ateneo De Manila University (ADMU) Blue Eagles maintained their immaculate record as they won against the winless University of Santo Tomas (UST) Growling Tigers, 102-83, in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 80 Men’s Basketball tournament at the Smart Araneta Coliseum Saturday.

(Thirdy Ravena skies high for the dunk. Photo source: Inquirer Sports)

Ateneo sucked the life out of UST in the final frame when they outscored and frustrated them, 27-13, punctuated with a vicious one-handed slam dunk by the six-foot guard Thirdy Ravena.

The España-based team sparked a big run late 3rd quarter with Steve Akomo scoring 10 points including a thunderous fastbreak jam to enter the payoff period down by just five, 70-75.

Ravena top scored for ADMU with 20 points and seven assists against, while streaky shooter Matt Nieto had 19 markers on a 5/7 clip from the three-point land.

UST converted just one triple compared to the Eagles’ 10 trifectas. Oliver De Guzman led the Tigers with 19 points, while team captain Jeepy Faundo added 11 markers and 12 boards. Ateneo Blue Eagles moved two wins away from a sweep, 12-0. UST is now in an embarrassing 0-13. The Eagles will next face the UP Fighting Maroons on Wednesday, Nov. 8 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum while the Growling Tigers will try to salvage their season against the UE Red Warriors on Sunday, Nov. 12, at the same venue.