Ateneo nears elims sweep, topples UP

(Blue Eagle Isaac Go attempting a shot. Photo by Josh Albelda/Rappler)

The Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU) Blue Eagles moved one win away from elimination round sweep after beating the University of the Philippines (UP) Fighting Maroons, 96-82, in the Season 80 Men’s Basketball Tournament of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) at the Araneta Coliseum Wednesday.

Down by a single point entering the final frame, Ateneo went to the three point shot to salvage the win and dominate the quarter, 33-18, giving them a 14-point victory.

Before the Eagles telling run in the payoff period, the game was tight resulting into eight deadlocks and 17 lead changes.

Ateneo dominated the paint, accumulating 44 points compared to UP’s 20.

It was again a balanced effort for the Katipunan-based squad with seven players scoring at least eight points led by Matt Nieto who finished with 19 markers. Reserves Isaac Go and Gian Mamuyac contributed 13 points apiece.

Juan Gomez de Liano posted 21 markers and 6 rebounds for the Fighting Maroons followed by Paul Desiderio with 16 points on a measly 6/18 shooting clip.

Ateneo won for the 13th time in as many games while UP fell to 5-8.

UP will close their elimination round against the National University Bulldogs on Saturday, Nov. 11, at the Big Dome. Ateneo will try to sweep the eliminations against their archrival De La Salle University Green Archers on Sunday, Nov. 12, at the same venue. NOEMI ANN PEREZ