MANILA, Philippines (UPDATED) — Ateneo de Manila University rebounded from a massive meltdown over the weekend and pounded University of the Philippines, 56-43, in the men's basketball tournament of UAAP Season 78 on Wednesday, September 30 at the Mall of Asia Arena.
The Blue Eagles poured out their frustrations coming off an endgame collapse Saturday against the UST Tigers, and dealt the Fighting Maroons their fourth straight loss after a 2-0 season start. The win also extends Ateneo's win streak over UP to 12 dating back to 2009.
"We talked about how we can close out games because most of the time we start well," head coach Bo Perasol said as his team dominated from start to finish with well-distributed offense. "This is a good win for us, bounce back win for us."
UAAP MVP and team captain Kiefer Ravena had a double-double of 11 points and 11 rebounds to go with 4 assists and two steals. Fellow graduating veteran Von Pessumal tallied 11 markers as well including a couple of triples.
John Apacible and Arvin Tolentino added 8 points apiece as Ateneo moved the ball well enough to register 20 assists compared to the 7 of UP.
Paul Desiderio led the Maroons with 12 points and 8 rebounds. Dave Moralde had 9 markers and 7 boards, while Jerson Prado chipped in 8 points and 11 rebounds.
The Eagles led by as much as 19 points even as the Maroons out-rebounded them, 57-53. Ateneo converted 16 points off UP's 15 turnovers as they improved to a 4-2 record.
Scores:
Ateneo (56): Ravena 11, Pessumal 11, Apcible 8, Tolentino A 8, Nieto 4, Gotladera 4, Pingoy 3, Capacio 2, Wong 2, Ikeh 1, Tolentino V 1, Black 1, Cani 0, Babilonia 0.
UP (43): Desiderio 12, Moralde 9, Prado 8, Amar 6, Asilum 5, Dario 2, Kone 1, Manual 0, Lim 0, Harris 0, Gallarza 0, Longa 0, Vito 0, Jaboneta 0.
Quarter scores: 17-9, 36-17, 45-31, 56-43. — Rappler.com