Blue Eagles strike down Bulldogs, remain undefeated

The Ateneo De Manila University (ADMU) Blue Eagles survived from the National University (NU) Bulldogs, 85-72, in the second round of the UAAP Season 80 men’s basketball tournament on Wednesday at the Mall of Asia in Pasay.

Bulldogs commanded most of the first half with Jjay Alejandro leading the way from all cylinders, but it was enough to stop the reigning Blue Eagles as they came out focused in the second half controlling the tempo to take the win.

Anton Asistio (left) passes Jayjay Alejandro (right) and drives to the basket. Photo by Arvin Lim of ABS-CBN Sports.

Blue Eagles had a hot start in the first half, shooting seven of twelve from the three-point line, though not enough to stop Alejandro as he scored 16 of his 22 points to end the half with a three-point lead over the Blue Eagles.

The Blue Eagles sank treys in the crucial period that placed them as high as 12 points over the Bulldogs, allowing Ateneo to get away with the victory.

Thirdy Ravena led the Blue Eagles with 15 points, along with eight rebounds, two assists, and two steals.

The Ateneo will face the Far Eastern University Tamaraws on Saturday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, while the NU Bulldogs will face the University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigers on Sunday at the Filoil Flying V Centre.

Box scores:

ADMU 85 - Ravena 15, Nieto 10, Mendoza 10, Ikeh 8, Asistio 8, Mamuyac 8, Go 6, Nieto 5, Tio 5, Verano 4, Tolentino 3, Black 3, White 0.

NU 72 - Alejandro 22, Joson 11, Gaye 8, Salem 7, Mosqueda 5, Bartlett 4, Rangel 4, Morido 4, Yu 3, Diputado 2, Cauilan 2, Tibayan 0.

Quarter scores:

28-22, 45-48, 67-65, 85-72