MANILA – Samjosef Belangel came up clutch as Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles crushed University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons, 90-81, in the UAAP Season 84 men’s basketball on Saturday night at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
After their 20-point lead was trimmed to 78-85 with two free throws by Zave Lucero, Belangel buried a booming triple with over two minutes left to make it a 88-78 score.
Terrence Fortea then split his free throws for the Fighting Maroons for a 79-88 score but Belangel drilled another deuce to widen Blue Eagles’ lead to 90-79.
The Bacolod City-native Belangel finished the match with 10 points to go with seven rebounds, and five assists for the defending champions Blue Eagles.
Dave Ildefonso topscored with 19 points, Raffy Verano returned to the Blue Eagles with 18 markers, while Gilas Pilipinas center Angelo Kouame tallied 11 points, 13 rebounds, and a block.
“We need to respond better to this kind of situations but I guess it’s better to learn those lessons during a win,” said Blue Eagles head coach Thomas Baldwin.
Crispin John Cansino top-scored with 21 points, Maodo Malick Diouf added 15 points and nine rebounds, while Carl Tamayo got 13 points and 10 rebounds for the Fighting Maroons.
De La Salle University Green Archers survived a tough challenge from University of the East Red Warriors before pulling off a 71-65 escape. Schonny Winston led the Archers with 22 points.
Far Eastern University Tamaraws defeated University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigers, 71-56. RJ Abarrientos and Ilonggo John Bryan Sajonia tallied 18 and 12 markers, respectively, for FEU.
National University Bulldogs, meanwhile, escaped with a 71-69 triumph over Adamson University Falcons. Ernest Felicida debuted with 14 points for the Bulldogs./PN
