TIGHT defense by the reigning champions Ateneo de Manila Blue Eagles held the UST Growling Tigers to their lowest scoring output of the season, en route to a convincing 66-52 victory at the SM Mall of Asia Arena Saturday.
A strong defensive effort by the UAAP defending champions limited the Tigers to a measly 22.58 percent shooting in the first half and clamped UST, which averaged a league-best 81 points per game in the first round, to only 52 points.
The Tigers scored just eight and nine points in the first and second quarters, respectively, and finished the game with 24 turnovers.
“[We] have to give credit du’n sa depensa ng Ateneo. Number one sila doon,” UST Tigers head coach Aldin Ayo told the Varsitarian.
Blue Eagle SJ Belangel hit a dagger three with 1:23 left in the payoff period, to shut the door on the Tigers’ hopes of a comeback.
Ateneo guards Thirdy Ravena and Belangel led the team in scoring with 17 and 11 points, respectively.
Mark Nonoy scored 18 points with four three-point baskets to lead UST, while MVP frontrunner Soulemane Chabi-Yo was held to a season-low six points on 2/11 shooting while grabbing 14 boards.
The Growling Tigers will next face the University of the East Red Warriors on Oct. 9, Wednesday, 12:30 p.m. at the Araneta Coliseum.
