MANILA, Philippines –The Blue Eagles hold onto their undefeated record as they defeated the Bulldogs, 85-72, on Wednesday, October 18 at the Mall of Asia Arena. 

The Bulldogs threatened the Blue Eagles defense in the second quarter, but the defense improved as they held down the Bulldogs to only 7 points in the final frame. 

The Blue Eagles had a powerful 10-0 start to the game that only saw Issa Gaye sink NU’s first basket in the 6:30 mark of the first. The Bulldogs managed to rally back with a 10-3 run, but Jolo Mendoza’s back-to-back threes pulled the lead away. 

The second quarter saw J-jay Alejandro wax hot as his heroics allowed the Bulldogs to break down the Katipunan-based squad’s defense. The Blue Eagles conceded a total of 9 fastbreak points that saw them trail at the half for the first time this season. 

It was a neck-and-neck battle heading into the second half, as both teams traded leads. Ateneo’s bench players relied on their reliable scoring from the stripe to outscore the Bulldogs, 22-17, in the third and anb the lead once again. 

Thirdy Ravena led the Blue Eagles with 15 points, 8 rebounds, 2 assists and 2 steals. Matt Nieto followed with 10 points as he nailed a pair of triples in the first to contribute to the Blue Eagles’ strong start. 

Alejandro was the Bulldogs’ all-around player as he tallied 22 points and made 7 boards, 5 assists and 3 steals. Enzo Joson backed him up with 11 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists and 1 steal. 

This Blue Eagles remain undefeated with a 9-0 record, while the loser falls to 3-6 in the UAAP Season 80 men’s basketball tournament.

The Scores

Ateneo (85) – Ravena 15, Nieto Ma 10, Mendoza 10, Ikeh 8, Asistio 8, Mamuyac 8, Go 6, Nieto Mi 5, Tio 5, Verano 4, Tolentino 3, Black 3, White 0.

NU (72) – Alejandro 22, Joson 11, Gaye 8, Salem 7, Mosqueda 5, Bartlett 4, Rangel 4, Morido 4, Yu 3, Diputado 2, Cauilan 2, Tibayan 0.

Quarter Scores: 28-22, 45-48, 67-65, 85-72

– Rappler.com