MANILA – Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles secured their first back-to-back wins of UAAP Season 87 men’s basketball tournament, edging out University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigers 67-64 on Saturday at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion.
With the Growling Tigers closing in at 60-62, Jared Bahay sank a crucial jumper from the free throw line, pushing the Blue Eagles’ advantage to 64-60 with over a minute remaining.
UST’s Nicael Cabañero trimmed the lead to 62-64 with a layup, but Ateneo’s Sean Quitevis forced an inbound turnover, leading to an uncontested layup to push the score to 66-62.
The Growling Tigers answered with a layup from Kyle Paranada, narrowing the gap to 64-66. However, Ateneo’s Ian Espinosa split his free throws to make it 67-64, and UST was unable to attempt a three-pointer at the buzzer, sealing the Blue Eagles’ victory.
Andrew Bongo led the way for the Blue Eagles with 14 points; Espinosa added 11 markers, while Chris Koon and Shawn Tuano had 10 each as they improved to a 3-6 win-loss slate.
“I told the rookies and the team, moving on second round wala ng rookies rookies, alam na natin ‘yung experience ng UAAP so dapat alam na natin kung paano maging composed,” said the Iloilo City-native Espinosa.
Cabañero top-scored for the Growling Tigers with 18 points, while Capiznon Christian Manaytay added 11 markers. They suffered their third straight defeat for a 4-6 win-loss slate.
Meanwhile, defending champions De La Salle University Green Archers secured their place in the Final Four round after a 70-45 rout of Adamson University Falcons.
Kevin Quiambao spearheaded the offense with 17 points, while Joshua David added 11 markers as the Green Archers tightened their hold of the top spot with a 9-1 win-loss slate.
Cedrick Manzano was the lone double-digit scorer for the Falcons with 14 points as they dropped to a 3-6 win-loss card./PN
