UPDATE: UST boosts Final 4 rank, Ateneo nears sweep
Credit to Author: THE MANILA TIMES| Date: Sat, 26 Oct 2019 09:30:08 +0000
ANTIPOLO: University of Santo Tomas bested Adamson University, 80-74, to improve its win-loss record to 8-6 in the elimination round of Season 82 University Athletic Association of the Philippines men’s basketball tournament at the Ynares Sports Center here.
In the first game, Ateneo De Manila University is on the verge of sweeping the men’s basketball event after crushing National University (NU), 88-51.
The reigning champion and undefeated Blue Eagles were simply too much for the already-eliminated Bulldogs as they established their biggest advantage at 37 on the way to their 13th consecutive victory with only a game left in the 14-game elimination round.
“It is satisfying. Two weeks in a row, two games in a row. We have come out with a great attitude,” said Ateneo coach Tab Baldwin, a former Philippine men’s basketball coach, to reporters after the game. “Sure we put points on the board, made some shots.”
“But I think what we really focused on was our defense and rebounding. We have seen our team transfer the work ethic from practice to the court into the game and that’s gratifying as a coach,” Baldwin added.
Angelo Kouame scored 17 points on 7-of-13 shooting from the field and grabbed 13 rebounds while Thirdy Ravena added 15 points and Tyler Tio made nine points to lead the Blue Eagles.
The Blue Eagles established a 44-27 lead at the half and were never threatened from that point.
Shaun Ildefonso led the Bulldogs with 21 points and four rebounds.
A victory by Ateneo against University of the Philippines at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City will automatically send them to the finals and force a stepladder playoffs.
BOX SCORES
ATENEO 88 – Kouame 17, Ravena 15, Tio 9, Wong 8, Belangel 7, Mamuyac 5, Nieto Mi 5, Andrade 4, Daves 4, Go 4, Mallillin 4, Chiu 3, Maagdenberg 3, Nieto Ma 0
NU 51 – Ildefonso S 21, Gallego 9, Tibayan 8, Minerva 4, Clemente 3, Gaye 2, Ildefonso D 2, Rangel 2, Diputado 0, Galinato 0, Joson 0, Malonzo 0, Mangayao 0, Mosqueda 0, Oczon 0, Yu 0.
Quarter Scores: 22-12, 44-27, 65-36, 88-51
JOSEF T. RAMOS