Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, November 8) — The Ateneo Blue Eagles disposed of the University of the Philippines (UP) Fighting Maroons, 96-82, Wednesday.
Matt Nieto played big for the Blue Eagles with 19 points and four rebounds.
Back-to-back triples from Paul Desiderio and Janjan Jaboneta carried UP to a slim 23-22 edge at the end of the opening period at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.
A 5-0 run by the Fighting Maroons enabled them to keep the distance at the halftime break.
Ateneo clawed its way back in the third frame to cut UP’s lead to one point heading into the payoff period.
With the momentum shifting on their side, the Blue Eagles showed why they are the best team in the league as they took control of the final quarter by imposing a 14-1 rally.
Isaac Go and Gian Mamuyac contributed 13 points apiece for Ateneo who cruised to their 13th consecutive victory.
Juan Gomez de Liaño had a game-high for the Fighting Maroons with 21 markers and six boards.
The Blue Eagles collide with archrivals De La Salle University Green Archers in the much-anticipated showdown between the top teams on November 12.
UP will end its elimination round assignment against the National University Bulldogs on November 11.
