UAAP: Ladi clutch triple lifts Ateneo past UE in close encounter

Metro Manila, Philippines - Kymani Ladi sank the clutch go-ahead three-pointer to lift the Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles past the University of the East (UE) Red Warriors, 62-60, in the UAAP Season 88 men's basketball tournament on Wednesday, Sept. 24 at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion in Manila.

Ladi drained the triple with 22.7 seconds left in the fourth quarter to give the Blue Eagles a 61-60 lead. He finished the game with 18 points and 10 rebounds.

Ateneo's Dominic Escobar stole the ball from Nico Mulingtapang's crossover then split his free throws, while Ladi stopped Precious Momowei's late long three-point attempt as time expired.

Joaqui Espina contributed 17 points and two assists, while Jared Bahay added eight points and six rebounds for the Blue Eagles.

Ateneo now occupies the early lead in the team standings with a 2-0 win-loss record, while the Red Warriors are still hunting for their first victory this season.

Welo Lingolingo paced UE with 19 markers and seven boards.

Up next for the Blue Eagles are the Adamson University Soaring Falcons on Sept. 28 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City, while UE battles reigning champion University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons on the same day.