MANILA, Philippines – The Ateneo Blue Eagles continued their winning ways with a victory over the Far Eastern University Tamaraws, 94-82, on Sunday, September 17 at the Araneta Coliseum.

This marks the first meeting of the Ateneo Blue Eagles and the FEU Tamaraws since the Season 79 semifinals. The Blue Eagles held a twice-to-beat advantage, but the Tamaraws sent it to a second game, where Ateneo was able to emerge victorious in overtime. 

In this match, the Blue Eagles showcased their deep outside shooting with 7 players getting their triples into the stat sheet. Ateneo held the lead from the first quarter onwards, but former Blue Eagles Hubert Cani and Arvin Tolentino attempted to cut the final frame deficit.

The Blue Eagles started strong with 5 players from the squad being able to make outside shots in the first quarter. After a Matt Nieto triple to ignite the offense of the Blue Eagles, Anton Asistio went sizzling hot and bombed 3 triples in the first quarter alone.

Wendel Comboy led the scoring for the FEU Tamaraws in the first half, tallying 9 markers that were all from outside shots. FEU rallied back late in the second quarter, and Comboy sank his third triple to get to within 7. However, the Blue Eagles brought it back to a 10-point lead by the end of the first half. 

The FEU Tamaraws came within 5 via the early contributions of Prince Orizu and Ron Dennison in the third. The Blue Eagles then made an 11-1 run that was ended by Comboy’s fourth triple in the game. Go finished the period with a layup via a dish by Tio to make it a 14-point lead for the Blue Eagles at the end of the third. 

With Arvin Tolentino banking most of the points for the Tamaraws in the final frame, the Blue Eagles pushed to finish the game strong with a 12-point lead. 

The Blue Eagles remain undefeated with a 3-0 record, while the Tamaraws fall to a 1-2 record in the UAAP Season 80 men’s basketball tournament. 

Ravena continues to lead the Blue Eagles in scoring as he racked up 18 points, 11 rebounds and 5 assists. Anton Asistio and Matt Nieto followed with 16 points and 11 points, respectively. Both Ateneo guards also made 3 triples apiece. 

Comboy topscored for the FEU Tamaraws with 12 points, which were all from beyond the arc. Orizu and Tolentino followed with 11 points apiece. 

Scores: 

Ateneo (94) – Ravena 18, Asistio 16, Matt Nieto 11, Vince Tolentino 10, Go 9, Verano 7, Ikeh 6, Black 5, Mike Nieto 5, Porter 5, Mamuyac 2, Tio 0, Mallillin 0.

FEU (82) – Comboy 12, Orizu 11, Arvin Tolentino 11, Tuffin 10, Dennison 8, Ramirez 7, Trinidad 7, Parker 5, Ebona 5, Cani 4, Escoto 2, Nunag 0.

Quarter scores: 34-22, 55-45, 72-58, 94-82