Verano has breakout game in Ateneo’s win over NU

MANILA, Philippines (UPDATED) – Rookie Raffy Verano had the best game of his young UAAP career, scoring 20 points on 8-of-13 shooting to lead the Ateneo Blue Eagles past the slumping NU Bulldogs, 65-50, on Sunday, October 23, at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum in Cubao.

Verano went on a scoring tear in the second period, where Ateneo pulled away by going ahead 34-16 at the half after NU struggled to make baskets.

Ateneo stayed on cruise control in the final two quarters to seal the win and improve their record in Season 79 to 6-4, good for solo third in the standings. NU, now losers of 5 straight, dropped to 4-7.

The Bulldogs committed 25 turnovers which led to 21 Blue Eagle points. Ateneo also limited their opponents to 31% shooting from the field.

J-Jay Alejandro led the Bulldogs with 13 points while Alfred Aroga recorded 8 points and 16 rebounds.

Isaac Go also had a good outing for the Blue Eagles with 9 points while Aaron Black converted 7 points.

Scores

Ateneo (65): Verano 20, Go 9, Black 7, Asistio 6, Babilonia 6, Tolentino 6, Ravena 4, Nieto 3, Mendoza 2, Wong 2, Escaler 0, Ikeh 0, Ildefonso 0, Nieto 0, Porter 0, White 0

NU (50): Alejandro 13, Aroga 8, Salem 7, Diputado 6, Morido 5, Diputado 5, Gallego 3, Rangel 3, Pate 2, Abatayo 0, Mosqueda 0, Salim 0, Yu 0

Quarter scores: 11-8, 34-16, 52-34, 65-50 – Rappler.com