Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, April 9) – Reigning titlists Ateneo De Manila University Blue Eagles maintained their spotless record at the conclusion of the UAAP Season 94 first round of eliminations.
The Blue Eagles outhustled the University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigers, 91-80, on Saturday at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Tyler Tio carried the Katipunan-based cagers with his 20 points, where he shot four triples and only missed two of his total nine field goals.
Aside from Tio’s outstanding scoring exploits, the balanced game of Ateneo made a difference in routing their opponents from España.
The Blue Eagles began asserting their offensive might in the first quarter and extended their shooting dominance in the second canto for a double-digit halftime advantage, 50-34.
The Tab Baldwin-mentored Ateneo squad showed their shooting and defensive consistency in the second half by tallying their game-high lead of 24 points and continuing to limit any scoring run threats from UST.
Bryan Andrade added 10 markers for the Blue Eagles while Ange Kouame finished with eight points and 10 rebounds for their immaculate 7-0 slate.
Sherwin Concepcion was the lone standout for the Growling Tigers – who suffered their third straight defeat and dropped to a 2-5 record. Concepcion finished with 22 points and seven rebounds.
The Scores:
ATENEO 91 – Tio 20, Andrade 10, Koon 9, Belangel 9, Kouame 8, Mamuyac 8, Ildefonso 6, Daves 6, Lazaro 4, Gomez 3, Chiu 3, Padrigao 3, Verano 2, Mallillin 0, Mendoza 0.
UST 80 – Concepcion 22, Manalang 10, Fontanilla 9, Cabanero 9, Santos 9, M. Pangilinan 8, Mantua 5, Manaytay 3, Gomez de Liano 3, Ando 2, Samudio 0.
Quarterscores: 27-19, 50-34, 74-58, 91-80.
