Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, April 2) – The Ateneo De Manila University Blue Eagles achieved a milestone after clinching their 30th straight win in the UAAP at the expense of rival De La Salle University Green Archers, 74-57, on Saturday at the Mall of Asia Arena.
The Blue Eagles – who are seeking a four-peat this season – has been unbeaten since Season 81 in 2018. Their last defeat was at the hands of Far Eastern University Tamaraws, 60-63.
Frontcourt sensation Ange Kouame spearheaded Ateneo’s second half scoring spree with 16 points and 19 rebounds while guard Gian Mamuyac had a stellar outing with 11 points, six boards, and six steals.
The two fierce rivals had a see-saw battle in the first half, but the Blue Eagles pulled away in the third quarter with their outstanding shot selection supported by their pressuring defense against the Green Archers.
Ateneo outscored La Salle in the third period, 23-13.
The Tab Baldwin-coached Blue Eagles repeated their dominating performance in the final quarter as they held off baskets from the Green Archers.
Michael Phillips was the lone bright spot for La Salle with 13 points on a 69% field goal shooting, along with 10 rebounds and three blocks. Mark Nonoy contributed with 12 markers while Evan Nelle notched 10 points.
Ateneo solely occupies the top spot of the team standings with a 4-0 record while La Salle is tied with University of the Philippines in second place with 3-1 slate.
The Blue Eagles will tangle with the National University Bulldogs in their next game on Tuesday at 7 p.m. while the Green Archers look to shake off from their first loss of the season against the University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigers at 10 a.m.
The Scores:
ATENEO 74 – Kouame 16, Ildefonso 12, Mamuyac 11, Belangel 8, Tio 6, Koon 6, Chiu 6, Andrade 3, Verano 2, Padrigao 2, Lazaro 2
LA SALLE 57 – M. Phillips 13, Nonoy 12, Nelle 10, Lojera 9, Winston 6, Baltazar 5, Nwankwo 2, Manuel 0, Austria 0, B. Phillips 0
Quarterscores: 16-11, 35-32, 58-45, 74-57
