MANILA, Philippines (UPDATED) –  The Ateneo Blue Eagles were once again dominant in victory as they defeated the University of the Philippines (UP) Fighting Maroons, 92-71, on Wednesday, September 13 at the Araneta Coliseum. 

The Ateneo Blue Eagles’ control of the glass proved to be the advantage against the Fighting Maroons. Although UP had chances of cutting the lead in the second and third quarters, Blue Eagle Tyler Tio, making his UAAP debut, ignited the final quarter closeout with his early 10-point run.

Anton Asistio and Chibueze Ikeh led the Blue Eagles in the first quarter, making an early 5-0 run. The Fighting Maroons sank 3 shots from beyond the arc that tied the score at 16-all. Blue Eagles Isaac Go and Jolo Mendoza countered the UP production with back-to-back triples of their own that ended the first at 22-16.

The second quarter featured the deep bench of the Blue Eagles that overpowered the efforts of the Maroons’ top-scorer Juan Gomez De Liano. The Fighting Maroons were able to spark a 5-0 run as the minutes died out in the first half. 

The game slowed down in the third quarter, as points from the free throw line lifted both teams. Thirdy Ravena had 7 points in the quarter, and Paul Desiderio drained a smooth layup to finish the third with Ateneo leading by 11, 62-51. 

Ravena led the scoring of Ateneo’s deep bench with 16 points and made a total of 6 boards. Tio followed as he sparked 14 points, while Aaron Black contributed 9 points and 10 rebounds, 3 of which are offensive.

Juan Gomez De Liano top scored for the Maroons with 16 points and 7 rebounds. Manzo showed improvement from his last game against the Growling Tigers, as he tallied 14 points behind the lead scorer.

This win puts the Blue Eagles at a 2-0 record while the Fighting Maroons hold a 1-1 record in the UAAP Season 80 men’s basketball tournament.

The UP Fighting Maroons will face the University of the East Red Warriors at 2 pm and the Ateneo Blue Eagles will match up with the Far Eastern University Tamaraws at 4 pm on Sunday, September 17 at Smart-Araneta Coliseum. 

Scores:

Ateneo (92): Ravena 16, Tio 14, Ikeh 9, Black 9, Matt Nieto 7, Verano 7, Asistio 7, Go 6, Mike Nieto 5, Porter 4, Mendoza 3, Mamuyac 2, Malilin 2, Tolentino 1, White 0, Andrade 0.

UP (71): Juan Gomez de Liano 16, Manzo 14, Lim 10, Desiderio 9, Javi Gomez de Liano 6, Prado 6, Webb 3, Romero 3, Outtara 2, Lao 2, Vito 0, Dario 0, Harris 0.

Quarter scores: 22-16, 44-36, 62-51, 92-71. – Rappler.com