IN A rematch of the University Athletics Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 79 Final Four match-up, the Ateneo Blue Eagles sprayed in 12 three-pointers to waltz past the Far Eastern University Tamaraws (FEU), 94-82.
With the win, the Blue Eagles move to solo first place with a spotless 3-0 record, while the Tamaraws fall below .500 at 1-2.
Thirdy Ravena led Ateneo in scoring with 18 points, and he also filled up the stat sheet by grabbing 11 boards and dishing out five assists. Anton Asistio finally cracked double figures with 16 markers on three three-pointers. Matt Nieto also drilled in three triples leading to 11 points, while Team Captain Vince Tolentino chipped in with 10 points and 6 rebounds.
Wendell Comboy came off the bench to score 12 points on four three-pointers to lead FEU’s offense. Prince Orizu and former Ateneo Blue Eagle Arvin Tolentino each dropped 11 markers, while Tuffin hit double figures with ten of his own. Ron Dennison—who led the Tamaraws in scoring through their first two games—was limited to just eight points.
The match began with breakneck action from both sides. Ravena scored the Blue Eagles’ first six points, but FEU had a response for each of his buckets. With both teams struggling to miss early on, Ateneo separated themselves with their shooting from behind the arc. Matt Nieto began the barrage with a triple from the left wing, followed by Asistio who hit a three of his own. Ravena, Raffy Verano, and Isaac Go drained a triple each as well, as the Blue Eagles sank seven first quarter three pointers to give them a 12-point lead (34-22) heading into the second.
Kris Porter joined the three-point party with a shot of his own early in the quarter. The Tamaraws, however, were not completely out of the match, largely due to heroics from Comboy and Orizu. The center feasted inside, drawing fouls and scoring through contact while Comboy dealt damage from beyond the arc. Additionally, FEU tallied 12 of 16 free throws in the first half to stay within range of the competition.
The guard duo of Asistio and Aaron Black kept the Blue Eagles’ first-half lead constant, with the former continuing to impact the game from the perimeter while the latter’s drives to the basket gave his team the edge.
FEU began to inch closer to their adversaries as the second half began, with a Parker triple and Dennison layup getting their squad within five points, 57-52. The Tamaraws then fell silent midway through the third, as the Blue Eagles went on an 11-1 run capped by an Ikeh inside bucket from a hop step. An inside bucket from Go off a dish from Tio’s had Ateneo ahead 14 points, 72-58, at the third quarter buzzer.
The Blue Eagles stretched their lead to a comfortable 18-point cushion within the first two minutes of the final period. The Tamaraws, however, tried to mount a comeback through former Blue Eagle Arvin Tolentino. The streaky forward notched eight quick points to ignite a 10-2 run that cut FEU’s deficit to single digits, 87-78. A triple and crucial rebounds by Ravena gave the Blue Eagles control yet again as they held onto the lead and victory.
After the game, Asistio credited his great shooting to the system the coaching staff has in place. “Our system revolves around moving the ball and looking for an open man,” he explained.
The Ateneo Blue Eagles will test their undefeated record against the winless University of the East Red Warriors (0-3) on Sunday, September 24 at 2PM in the Mall of Asia Arena, Pasay City.
Quarter Scores
Ateneo-FEU: 34-22, 55-45, 72-58, 94-82
Box Scores
Ateneo (94): Ravena – 18, Asistio – 16, Ma. Nieto – 11, Tolentino – 10, Go – 9, Verano – 7, Ikeh – 6, Black – 5, Mi. Nieto – 5, Porter – 5, Mamuyac – 2
FEU (82): Comboy – 12, Orizu – 11, Tolentino – 11, Tuffin – 10, Dennison – 8, Ramirez – 7, Trinidad – 7, Parker – 5, Ebona – 5, Cani – 4, Escoto – 2
