MANILA – Ateneo Blue Eagles survived a tough stand by the San Beda University Red Lions to score a 62-56 win in the do-or-die semifinals of the Philippine Collegiate Champions League on Saturday at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.
Ilonggo Ferdinand “Thirdy” Ravena led the way with 14 points, while Angelo Kouame flirted with triple-double with 13 points, 18 rebounds and eight blocks for the Blue Eagles.
The victory in the best-of-three semifinals series advanced the Blue Eagles to the knockout championship game on Monday night against the University of Visayas Green Lancers.
Fielding in a complete lineup for the first time in the tournament, the Blue Eagles waxed hot early behind Ravena, Kouame, BJ Andrade and Adrian Wong to surge to a 41-24 advantage.
The Red Lions, however, came up with a strong response behind James Canlas and Donald Tankoua to force a deadlock at 55-all with over two minutes remaining in the match.
The Blue Eagles regained the lead after a three-point play by Kouame before Ravena sealed the victory for the UAAP men’s basketball champions with a three-pointer with 22.9 seconds left in the game.
James Canlas led the way with 14 points, six rebounds, and two steals, as Tankoua wound up with double-double 10 points and 12 boards for the NCAA champions Red Lions./PN
