Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, October 18) — The Ateneo Blue Eagles survived a scare from the National University (NU) Bulldogs, 85-72, on Wednesday evening at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Thirdy Ravena paved the way for the Blue Eagles with 15 points and eight rebounds.

As expected, Ateneo was off to a hot start by converting seven three-point shots which catapulted them to a six point advantage, 28-22, at the end of the first period.

NU, led by guard Jayjay Alejandro, unleashed a strong second quarter performance to grab the driver’s seat and establish a slim 48-45 cushion.

This is the first time that the Blue Eagles were trailing at the halftime break.

The Bulldogs tried to keep the lead by continuing what they did right in the first half, but Ateneo managed to reclaim the lead going into the payoff period.

Defense was the key for the Blue Eagles as they limited NU to only score two points with less than four minutes in the match.

The Bulldogs played without head coach Jamike Jarin after he was thrown out for committing his second technical foul at the 4:13 mark of the final frame.

Matt Nieto and Jolo Mendoza chipped in 10 points apiece for Ateneo who extended its winning streak to nine.

Alejandro scattered 22 markers, seven boards, and five dimes for NU who succumbed to its sixth setback in the tournament.

The Blue Eagles will stake their unblemished slate against the Far Eastern University Tamaraws on October 21, while the Bulldogs face University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigers on October 22.

The scores:

Ateneo (85) – Ravena 15, Ma. Nieto 10, Mendoza 10, Ikeh 8, Asistio 8, Mamuyac 8, Go 6, Mi. Nieto 5, Tio 5, Verano 4, Tolentino 3, Black 3, White 0.

NU (72) – Alejandro 22, Joson 11, Gaye 8, Salem 7, Mosqueda 5, Bartlett 4, Rangel 4, Morido 4, Yu 3, Diputado 2, Cauilan 2, Tibayan 0.

Quarterscores: 28-22; 45-48; 67-65; 85-72.