Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, September 30) — The Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles continued to dominate UAAP Season 80 men’s seniors basketball after outlasting the National University Bulldogs, 96-83, on Saturday evening at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum.
Chibueze Ihek led the way for the Blue Eagles with 18 points and 11 rebounds.
NU’s run and gun approach helped them take a 27-23 advantage at the end of the opening quarter.
The Blue Eagles capitalized on the offensive end and built a nine-point lead with Bulldogs big man Issa Gaye hounded by foul trouble.
But J-Jay Alejandro ended NU’s dry spell with back-to-back triples to keep them within striking distance going into the halftime break.
Ateneo could not establish a clear headway as the Bulldogs kept on coming back at them. But the Blue Eagles were clearly the more determined squad.
Vince Tolentino tallied 15 points and three rebounds, while Matt Nieto added 12 points for the Blue Eagles, which keep its record unscathed at 6-0.
Alejandro registered a game-high 24 markers and three boards for NU, which succumbed to their third consecutive loss in the tournament.
The Blue Eagles and Bulldogs will end their first round campaign against De La Salle University Green Archers and University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons, respectively, on October 8.
