Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, April 7) – The Ateneo De Manila University Blue Eagles remain unblemished in UAAP Season 84 after overcoming the University of the East Red Warriors, 94-72, on Thursday at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Gian Mamuyac led the offensive attack in the second half for Ateneo with 21 points along with four triples and nine rebounds.
Ange Kouame maintained his form as the Blue Eagles’ reliable man inside the paint after also finishing with 21 markers, 13 boards, and four blocks to extend their spotless record to 6-0.
A resolute UE team was seen in the first half challenging well Ateneo’s scoring exploits to force a tie in the first two quarters of the contest.
In the second half, the reigning UAAP titlists unleashed their championship form as Mamuyac and Kouame commanded an offensive run late in the third canto to widen their lead to double digits.
The fourth quarter saw the continuation of Ateneo’s scoring rampage, with the team even leading by 26 points at one point, aggravating the free fall of the struggling UE side.
Dave Ildefonso and SJ Belangel also contributed big in the second half scoring surge of the Blue Eagles with each chipping in 12 points for the team mentored by Tab Baldwin.
Kyle Paranada and Kris Pagsanjan were the only standouts for the Red Warriors after scoring 15 points apiece to remain at the bottom with a 0-6 record.
Ateneo seeks to close its first round campaign with an unblemished slate against the University of Santo Tomas on Saturday at 4 p.m., while UE will shoot for its first win against National University at 10 a.m.
The Scores:
ATENEO 94 – Mamuyac 21, Kouame 21, Ildefonso 12, Belangel 12, Daves 6, Gomez 5, Tio 4, Koon 4, Chiu 4, Mendoza 3, Lazaro 2, Padrigao 0, Andrade 0, Mallillin 0
UE 72 – K. Paranada 15, Pagsanjan 15, Escamis 8, N. Paranada 8, Guevarra 6, Antiporda 6, J. Cruz 4, Lorenzana 4, Catacutan 4, Beltran 2, Abatayo 0, Sawat 0, Villanueva 0, Tulabut 0, P. Cruz 0, Pascual 0
Quarterscores: 15-15, 39-39, 65-55, 94-72
