Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, March 31) — Defending champions Ateneo Blue Eagles hardly broke a sweat in their 78-47 win over the Adamson University Soaring Falcons Thursday at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
Main big man Angelo Kouame posted 13 points and grabbed 10 rebounds for the Blue Eagles who preserved their immaculate 3-0 slate in UAAP Season 84.
After being down by as much as 23 points in the second period, the Soaring Falcons were able to mount a comeback and cut the lead to a manageable deficit in the third quarter.
It was Ateneo’s turn to make a run as it responded with an 18-0 blast to establish a commanding edge entering the payoff frame.
The victory marked the Blue Eagles’ 29th straight victory as the Katipunan-based squad stays undefeated in men’s seniors basketball since October 2018.
Tyler Tio and Christopher Koon each chipped in nine points for Ateneo.
Keith Zaldivar and Lenda Douanga paced Adamson with six markers apiece. The Soaring Falcons absorbed their second setback in three outings.
The Blue Eagles will collide with archrivals De La Salle University Green Archers on April 3, while Adamson tries to tame the University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigers on the same day.
The scores:
Ateneo (78) — Kouame 13, Tio 9, Koon 9, Padrigao 8, Verano 8, Gomez 8, Ildefonso 6, Chiu 3, Mendoza 3, Mamuyac 3, Belangel 2, Lazaro 2, Andrade 2, Berjay 2.
Adamson (47) — Zaldivar 6, Douanga 6, Manzano 5, Yerro 5, Jaymalin 5, Hanapi 5, Lastimosa 4, Magbuhos 3, Peromingan 2, Sabandal 2, Erolon 2, Colonia 1, Calisay 1, Barasi 0, Fuentebella 0, Maata 0.
Quarterscores: 17-8, 36-24, 54-34, 78-47.
