Eagles strike Warriors, earn twice-to-beat advantage
The Ateneo De Manila University Blue Eagles crushed the University of the East (UE) Red Warriors, 97-73, in the second round of the UAAP Season 80 men’s basketball tournament at the SM Mall of Asia Arena Saturday.
Ateneo’s dominant performance against UE gave them a twice-to-beat advantage, making them the only team with a flawless 11-0 record.
Thirdy Ravena [left] looks for an opening as Mark Olayon [right] defends. Photo by Josh Albeda of Rappler.
The Eagles opened the quarter with a 7-2 run, but the Warriors responded with quick-scoring runs that gave them a two-point lead, 15-13. During the second half, the Katipunan-based squad found their rhythm as they rained a heavy downpour of triples from key players Thirdy Ravena, Jolo Mendoza, and Anton Asistio. Ravena led the Eagles with 17 points and eight rebounds, while Mendoza chipped in 13 markers. Mark Maloles and Mark Olayan led the Warriors with 20 and 15 markers, respectively. Ateneo looks forward to continue their winning streak as they face the winless University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigers on Nov. 4 at 2 p.m. The Red Warriors, on the other hand, will try to bounce back as they battle the Far Eastern University Tamaraws on Nov. 5 at 2 p.m. Both games will be at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. Box Scores:
Ateneo 97 – Ravena 17, Mendoza 13, Tolentino 12, Verano 12, Asistio 9, Porter 9, Mike Nieto 7, Ikeh 7, Mamuyac 3, Matt Nieto 2, Go 2, Black 2, Andrade 2, Tio 0, White 0. UE 73 – Maloles 20, Olayon 15, Pasaol 8, Bartolome 7, Varilla 5, Cullar 5, Derige 4, Acuño 4, Manalang 3, Conner 2, Toribio 0, Cruz 0. Quarter Scores: 21-18, 48-35, 71-52, 97-73