DEFENDING UAAP champions Ateneo Blue Eagles limited the UST Growling Tigers to 6 points in the final period and cruised to an 82-71 victory in the Philippine Collegiate Champions League at the arena in San Juan Sunday.
Ateneo sealed the win with an 11-3 surge in the fourth quarter, in their first meeting since the Blue Eagles swept the Tigers in last season’s UAAP finals.
Deo Cuajao and Sherwin Concepcion combined for 11 points to help UST close the third quarter with a 15-5 run and reduced Ateneo’s lead to just one, 66-65.
“I told them to always be on top of the situation but, obviously, kulang pa,” UST coach Aldin Ayo told the Varsitarian.
Cuajao and Rhenz Abando led UST in scoring with 14 apiece. Soulemane Chabi-Yo was held to only five points and six rebounds on 1-of-5 shooting in 28 minutes.
Blue Eagle SJ Belangel tallied a game-high 26 points with six three pointers while Angelo Kouame recorded a double double of 15 markers and 13 boards.
Ateneo dominated the paint, outscoring the Tigers inside, 34-14, and outrebounding them, 54-45.
The Blue Eagles also had a 9-2 advantage in the blocking department but UST bench edged Ateneo’s, 46-23.
The Tigers will next face the NCAA Men’s Basketball runners-up San Beda University Red Lions on Feb. 15, Saturday, 1 p.m., at the same venue. R.B. R. Fuertes Jr.
