Ateneo survives slow start to beat UE and end skid

MANILA, Philippines (UPDATED) – The Ateneo Blue Eagles rallied from a slow start in the first quarter and turned the tables around in the third period to snap a two-game losing streak and sweep their season series against the UE Red Warriors, 75-61, on Wednesday, October 19, at the San Juan Arena.

Entering the game having lost their past match-ups against La Salle and UP, the Blue Eagles relied on the sweet-shooting performance by rookie Jolo Mendoza to take the lead in the second quarter before pulling away after halftime.

Mendoza, who scored all his points in the first half, finished with a team-leading 15 points and was a +18 when he was on the court. Thirdy Ravena accounted for 14 points and 5 boards, while Adrian Wong and Mike Nieto were the Blue Eagles’ other double-digit scorers after combining for 21 points.

Aaron Black also had 4 points in his return for Ateneo, which improved their record to 5-4 in Season 79. UE, on the other hand, dropped to a league-worst 2-7 slate.

Philip Manalang led the Red Warriors with 16 points, 5 boards, and 3 assists, while RR De Leon added 13 points and 5 rebounds. – Rappler.com