Blue Eagles whack Fighting Maroons, remain undefeated
The Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU) Blue Eagles maintained their immaculate streak in the UAAP Season 80 men’s basketball tournament as they bested the University of the Philippines (UP) Fighting Maroons, 96-82, on Nov. 8 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The Fighting Maroons played strong during the first two quarters as they banked a total of eight three-point shots, however the Ateneo improved their defense during the final minutes of the third canto with a 14-2 run, creating a back-and-forth lead changes between the teams.
Blue Eagle Isaac Go lays-up for two. Photo from Rappler.
UP's Javi Gomez de Liano shot a tie basket with around four minutes left in the game, 79-all, but Ateneo's great defense proved to be too much for UP as they beat the Maroons from the two-point field.
Matt Nieto powered the Blue Eagles with 19 points and three assists, while Juan Gomez de Liano led the Fighting Maroons with game-high 21 markers and 6 boards.
UP still has a chance to reach the final 4 berth after the Far Eastern University’s loss to the National University Bulldogs.
UP will next face the Bulldogs on Nov. 11, 2 p.m., at the Araneta Center Coliseum while Ateneo will close the elimination rounds with the De La Salle University Green Archers on Nov. 12, 4 p.m., at the same venue.
Box scores:
ADMU 96 – Matt Nieto 19, Go 13, Mamuyac 13, Ravena 10, Tolentino 10, Mike Nieto 9, Verano 8, Ikeh 6, Asistio 4, Mendoza 4, Tio 0, Black 0.
UP 82 – Gomez de Liano Ju 21, Desiderio 16, Manzo 13, Dario 8, Gomez de Liano Ja 7, Lim 4, Ouattara 3, Jaboneta 3, Webb 2, Romero 2, Lao 2, Prado 1, Vito 0, Ricafort 0, Harris 0.
Quarter scores:
22-23, 42-48, 63-64, 96-82