THE ATENEO de Manila University Blue Eaglets survived the UST Tiger Cubs, 79-73, at the start of the UAAP boys’ basketball tournament at The Arena in San Juan Saturday.
Two straight 3-pointers by Jason Credo gave Ateneo a 76-69 lead while a technical free throw by fellow Eaglet Joaquin Manuel doomed the Tigers.
Assistant coach Richie Melencio, who called the shots for head coach Chris Cantonjos, was thrown out after two technical fouls.
“Hindi natin sinisisi ang officiating, pero ang daming bad calls in favor sa kanila. [Pero nakita] naman natin na lumaban ang mga bata,” Melencio said.
Ateneo’s SJ Belangel who had a double-double performance of 20 points and 15 boards. Jason Credo and Romulo Berjay combined for 25 points for the Blue Eaglets.
Inand Fornillos flirted with a triple-double with 16 points, 10 rebounds, and six blocks.
Miguel Ratuiste chipped in 10 points and seven boards for UST before fouling out in the 8:27 mark of the fourth quarter.
UST committed 31 turnovers that led to 24 easy points for Ateneo.
Ateneo’s prized rookie Kai Sotto played his first UAAP game, entering late in the first quarter.
The 6-foot-9 behemoth had a rebound in less than two minutes of play.
The Tiger Cubs will go up against the University of the East Junior Warriors on Monday, Nov. 14, 11 a.m., at the same venue.
