THE ATENEO Blue Eagles decimated the National University (NU) Bulldogs, 88-51, in their 13th contest in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines Season 82 Men’s Basketball Tournament on Sunday, October 26, at the Ynares Sports Center in Antipolo City. The Blue Eagles’ win lifts them a 13-0 win-loss slate while NU slides to a 2-11 record for the season.
Ange Kouame led Ateneo with 17 points, 13 rebounds, and three blocks. Thirdy Ravena chipped in 15 markers while Tyler Tio added nine points on three three-pointers.
Former Blue Eagle Shaun Ildefonso led the Bulldogs with 21 points and four rebounds. However, NU’s main man Dave Ildefonso had an outing to forget, scoring only two points on a 1/5 shooting clip in 26 minutes.
Ateneo stormed out the gate with an 11-2 run en route to a 22-12 advantage after the first quarter. After leading 44-27 at the half, the Blue and White registered their patented third quarter surge, outscoring the Bulldogs 21-9. The Blue Eagles overpowered NU for the rest of the game with the lead peaking at 37 points.
After the game, Ateneo Head Coach Tab Baldwin commended the Blue Eagles’ dominance of late. “I think what we’ve seen in the last couple weeks is our team transfer our work ethic from practice into the game. That’s very gratifying as a coach,” Baldwin said. “They’re enjoying it a lot, and they’re enjoying the way they play.”
The Blue Eagles aim to complete the sweep as they challenge the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons, who currently stand at 8-4, on Wednesday, October 26, 4:00 PM, at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
Quarter Scores:
Ateneo-NU: 22-12, 44-27, 36-65, 88-51
Box Scores:
Ateneo (88) Kouame – 17, Ravena – 15, Tio – 9, Wong – 8, Belangel – 7, Mamuyac – 7, M. Nieto – 5, Andrade – 4, Daves – 4, Go – 4, Mallillin – 4, Chiu – 3, Maagdenberg – 2
NU (51): S. Ildefonso – 21, Gallego – 9, Tibayan – 8, Minerva – 4, Clemente – 3, Gaye – 2, D. Ildefonso – 2, Rangel – 2, Diputado – 0, Galinato – 0, Joson – 0, Yu – 0, Malonzo – 0, Mosqueda – 0, Oczon – 0, Mangayao – 0
