Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) — Four days after demolishing their once-undefeated archrivals La Salle, the Ateneo Blue Eagles toppled another powerhouse to boost their Final Four bid.
The Blue Eagles continued to make a strong second round performance by dismantling the Far Eastern Univesity Tamaraws, 74-59, on Wednesday afternoon at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Thirdy Ravena led the way for the Blue Eagles with 15 points and 11 rebounds, including clutch shots at the crucial moments to help Ateneo hold off a rally from the Tamaraws.
Ateneo went off with a hot start, nailing five three-pointers in the opening quarter.
The victory was critical for Ateneo, which is now tied with the Tamaraws at 8-4. The Blue Eagles are still in the running for a twice-to-beat advantage.
Read: Adamson books last Final Four slot with 76-61 victory over UST
Isaac Go tallied 14 points and seven rebounds, while Adrian Wong added 12 markers for the Blue Eagles, which swept FEU in the elimination round for the second time in the last three seasons.
Monbert Arong paced the Tamaraws with 15 markers.
Ateneo will next face University of Sto. Tomas on November 12 (Saturday) at the Mall of Asia Arena.
The scores:
Ateneo (74) – Ravena 15, Go 14, Wong 12, Nieto Mi 8, Black 7, Tolentino 4, Porter 4, Asistio 3, Nieto Ma 3, Ikeh 2, Mendoza 2, Verano 0, Ildefonso 0.
FEU (59) – Arong 15, Orizu 11, Jose 10, Tuffin 10, Escoto 6, Dennison 3, Comboy 3, Roxas 1, Trinidad 0, Inigo 0, Bayquin 0, Holmqvist 0, Denila 0, Nunag 0.
Quarterscores: 24-14, 46-28, 58-46, 74-59.
