Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, November 4) — The Ateneo Blue Eagles kept the University of Santo Tomas (UST) Growling Tigers winless, 102-83, in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 80 on Saturday at the Big Dome.
Thirdy Ravena led all scorers with 20 markers, while Matt Nieto chipped in with 19 for Ateneo.
Despite being the heavily unfavored side, the Growling Tigers actually held a slim 35-33 advantage at the 3:23 mark of the second frame.
But Ateneo quickly answered back with a flurry to go into the halftime break with a 47-37 lead over UST.
Ateneo continued its hot streak going into the third frame, but UST did well to keep within 75-50 before the payoff period.
There was no stop the Blue Eagles in the fourth quarter though, as they outscored UST 27-13 to take home another comfortable victory.
Wendell De Guzman top scored UST with 19 points in the losing effort.
Ateneo improves its win-loss slate to a perfect 12-0, while UST continues to languish at the bottom with a 0-13 record.
Despite the gulf in the records of the two teams, Ravena reiterated how important it was to stay focused.
“We couldn’t be complacent just because of ‘yung standing namin,” Ravena said. “UST was going to give it their all no matter what happens.”
Ravena highlighted the third quarter UST run that gave Ateneo something going into the final quarter, but was happy that the Katipunan-based team held its ground.
“It was a very very tough game, we didn’t take UST lightly, they really fought and played their hearts out,” Ravena added.
Ateneo will battle its neighbors, the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons, on Wednesday, while UST looks to avoid a winless season on Sunday when it tackles the University of the East Red Warriors.
