MANILA, Philippines (UPDATED) – The Ateneo Blue Eagles experienced a slight turbulence before turning back the University of Santo Tomas (UST) Growling Tigers, 94-84, on Wednesday, September 27, at the Araneta Coliseum. 

Despite the loss, the Growling Tigers were able to get within 1 in the final frame that stimulated the Blue Eagles to seize the control back and maintain their undefeated record. 

The game started tight as the first half featured 8 lead changes and 6 deadlocks. The first quarter saw both teams make most of their points off free throws, but the game changed when Matt Nieto led the Blue Eagles with a solo 7-0 run within Ateneo’s 13-0 run. 

Isaac Go’s triple at the buzzer garnered a lead of 12 points after a lackluster first quarter. Go led the team in scoring with 11 points at the half. 

The Blue Eagles drew first blood this time in the third quarter with a 9-2 run in the first  two minutes. Matt Nieto waxed hot as he made 9 points in the quarter alone. However, the Growling Tigers pulled off a scare on the Blue Eagles as a 14-0 run saw them close Ateneo’s lead to 5 points.  

The Growling Tigers got as close to 1 point early in the fourth quarter via a Marvin Lee triple. But Blue Eagles replied with a 7-1 run which allowed them to pull the lead away. A Matt Nieto triple sealed the win for the Blue Eagles in the last 32 seconds of the game. 

Matt Nieto attained a career high of 22 points and he shot 100% from the stripe. Go followed with 13 points and collected 4 rebounds, 3 of which are offensive.

Lee topscored for the Growling Tigers with 22 points and Jordan Sta. Ana followed by registering 21 points. 

The Blue Eagles are undefeated with a 5-0 record, while the Growling Tigers remain winless at 0-5 in the UAAP Season 80 men’s basketball tournament. 

The Scores

ATENEO (94) – Matt Nieto 22, Go 13, Ravena 12, Mamuyac 8, Ikeh 7, Asistio 7, Mike Nieto 6, Tolentino 5, Verano 4, Tio 3, Mallillin 3, Black 2, Mendoza 2, Porter 0

UST (84) – Lee 22, Sta. Ana 21, Faundo 6, Escalambre 6, Akomo 6, Romero 6, Garcia 4, Huang 4, Basibas 4, Soriano 3, De Guzman 2, Kwawukumey 0, Arana 0

Quarter scores (Ateneo-UST): 29-23, 55-43, 76-71, 94-84