MANILA – Cignal-Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles gained a twice-to-beat edge in the playoffs of the 2019 PBA D-League after a 102-88 win over Che’Lu Bar and Grill Revellers at the JCSGO Gym in Cubao.
Ilonggo Ferdinand “Thirdy” Ravena led the way with 24 points, seven rebounds, and four assists for the Blue Eagles, which finished their Aspirants Group campaign with 8-1 win-loss slate.
Ivorian import Angelo Kouame added 18 points, 16 rebounds, and four blocks on Monday, while Adrian Wong contributed 17 markers, including six in the fourth quarter, for the UAAP men’s basketball champions.
Things got heated up between the two teams midway in the fourth. Chris Dumapig was slapped with a flagrant foul penalty one for his hit on William Navarro, which escalated to a verbal tussle between Ateneo coach Tab Baldwin and Stephen Siruma.
That incident ignited the Blue Eagles further as they turned an eight-point lead, 82-74, to a 16-point advantage at 93-77, with 3:36 remaining in the game.
“I think (the physicality) got into our heads a little bit and we didn’t execute a lot of good basketball actions and it’s something we can learn from. I’m just happy that we’re able to hold our ground,” said Baldwin.
Meanwhile, University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigers got back on the winning track as they clobbered the lowly McDavid, 111-90, for its fifth win in six matches.
Soulemane Chabi Yo captained for the Growling Tigers with his 25 points, 15 rebounds, and five assists, while Marvin Lee contributed 17 points on a scorching 5-of-7 clip from rainbow country for UST./PN
