Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, March 26) – Reigning titlists Ateneo De Manila University Blue Eagles prevailed in the first Battle of Katipunan in UAAP Season 84 with a 90-81 victory over the UP Fighting Maroons on Saturday at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Debuting Dave Ildefonso served as the main man of the balanced Ateneo offensive attack in their first game of the season with 19 points and six rebounds while Raffy Verano delivered with 18 markers and an 80% shooting in the game.
The Blue Eagles had a blazing start in the first half as they shot more of their outside and inside shots, with Angelo Kouame leading the charge as he finished with 11 points and 13 rebounds.
In the third quarter, Ateneo began to pull away with a 19-point cushion as Ildefonso and Verano got past the UP defense in their baskets.
The Goldwin Monteverde-coached Fighting Maroons looked to change the outcome of the match in the fourth quarter with top scorers CJ Cansino and Malick Diouf draining their shots – cutting the deficit to just seven points.
But the strong UP offensive effort was not enough as Ateneo matched it with some defensive adjustments to maintain their lead towards the final buzzer.
“We need to respond better… but I guess it’s better to learn those lessons during a win,” said Ateneo head coach Tab Baldwin.
Cansino finished with 21 points while Diouf almost had a double-double outing with 15 points and nine rebounds. Highly touted rookie and Gilas cadet Carl Tamayo banked in 13 markers and 10 boards for the UP loss.
Ateneo will face Far Eastern University on Tuesday at 1 p.m. while UP will collide with University of Santo Tomas at 7 pm.
The Scores:
Ateneo 90 – Ildefonso 19, Verano 18, Kouame 11, Belangel 10, Mamuyac 9, Mendoza 6, Tio 5, Chiu 4, Daves 4, Koon 2, Lazaro 2, Andrade 0, Mallilin 0, Gomez 0.
UP 81 – Cansino 21, Diouf 15, Tamayo 13, Rivero 11, Fortea 4, Cagulangan 4, Spencer 4, Lucero 2, Catapusan 2, Abadiano 2, Webb 2, Alarcon 0.
Quarterscores: 26-18, 46-35, 71-54, 90-81
