THE ATENEO Blue Eagles endured the absences of Thirdy Ravena and the Nieto siblings in today’s match as they dismantled the Far Eastern University (FEU) Tamaraws, 82-62, on Saturday, October 20, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Cubao.

Angelo Kouame further strengthened his claim as a bona fide MVP candidate by putting up an absurd stat line of 33 points and a season-record of 27 total rebounds in today’s match. The Ivorian was also extremely efficient on the offensive end, shooting 15/18 (83%) from the field.

Baskets from Kouame, Adrian Wong, and Raffy Verano saw the Blue Eagles begin the quarter in convincing fashion as a 7-2 scoring run from the Blue and White prompted the Tamaraws to call a timeout three minutes into the game. Exiting the break, Jasper Parker wasted no time making his mark on the game, as he racked up five points and a steal in the next 30 seconds of play to cut the Ateneo lead down to two, 9-7.

Halfway into the quarter, a sigh of concern from the FEU faithful filled the arena as Prince Orizu went down clutching his knee following a power move in the post. Eventually, the FEU big man limped off the floor in what would be his last appearance for today’s festivities. Neither team seemed to have an advantage this quarter, as the first ten minutes of play ended with both teams level at 16-16.

In the second period, controversial officiating stirred up emotions from the Ateneo faithful, as an offensive foul from Gian Mamuyac on Alec Stockton and a wrong possession call on a Kouame shot contest saw the officials greeted with loud boos from the crowd. Kouame’s presence in the post troubled Clifford Jopia this quarter, as the FEU big man garnered his fourth personal foul for contesting an eventual Kouame and-one basket about seven minutes into the quarter.

The FEU offense could not click as the Tamaraws were held to a mere six points in the quarter. Kouame, meanwhile, ended the quarter with a first-half double-double—putting up 18 points and 12 rebounds on the board to see the Katipunan-based side enter halftime with a 12-point advantage, 34-22.

An Anton Asistio triple continued the Blue Eagles’ strong offensive showings to open the second half with a 15-point lead, 37-22.

Tyler Tio meanwhile, came to life three minutes into the quarter, scoring on a floater and an and-one finish to rack up five quick points with seven minutes of play left. The Blue and White would find themselves with a 20-point lead, 62-42, to heading into the fourth period.

The Tamaraws began the final quarter of play on a flying start—riding on a Brandey Bienes triple and a Wendell Comboy basket to mount an early 6-0 scoring run in the first 30 seconds of play. The Blue Eagles, however, would look to Kouame once more, as he grabbed offensive rebounds and connected with two lobs from Tio to further extend the Blue Eagle lead ,73-56.

As the game reached its final minutes, Kouame was subbed off to a standing ovation and a warm round of applause from the Blue Eagles faithful. “MVP” chants echoed through the arena, praising the Ivorian big man for his strong showing.

Despite their favourable lead, the Blue Eagles remained assertive on offense, with plays such as a shot clock-beating Tio triple to further widen the margin. It proved to be the final nail in the coffin, as the Blue Eagles went on to trump the Tamaraws by a final score of 82-62.

Following the match, Ateneo Assistant Coach Sandy Arespacochaga spoke about the importance of the in-game adjustments that the Blue Eagles made throughout the game. “We had to read the situation and take advantage of the opportunities. FEU was locking down [on] our shooters, and that left Ange [Kouame] open for offensive rebounds and good passes from our guards,” he said. “Credit goes to not only Ange, but [also] our point guards [for finding] him in those situations.”  

The Blue Eagles will be looking to extend their winning streak to three on Wednesday, October 24, against the University of the East (UE) Red Warriors at 2:00 PM at the same venue.

Quarter Scores (Ateneo-FEU): 16-16, 34-22, 62-42, 82-62

Box scores:

Ateneo (82): Kouame – 33, Asistio – 15, Tio – 8, Wong – 7, Mamuyac – 6, Verano – 4, Mendoza – 3, Belangel – 2, Go – 2, Andrade – 2

FEU (62): Escoto – 13, Cani – 13, Bienes – 8, Parker – 7, Comboy – 6, Nunag – 4, Ebona – 3, Stockton – 2, Tuffin – 2, Orizu – 2, Inigo – 2