ATENEO built on a strong first half before surviving a last-ditch Far Eastern University stand, 76-71, on Wednesday for its second win in the UAAP Season 79 seniors basketball tournament at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Thirdy Ravena scored 17 points, including 10 in the first half that saw the Blue Eagles open leads of as many as 13 points on their way to the victory.
Adrian Wong had 13 points while Jolo Mendoza scored 10 points in only nine minutes of play.
“Going into the game, we were up against a tough team in FEU. They are a very good rebounding and defensive team,” said Ateneo coach Sandy Arespacochaga.
“We have a lot of room for improvement but we feel that our focus on defense was there,” he added.
Wendell Comboy scored 20 points and FEU got double-doubles from Raymar Jose and Prince Orizu but still slipped to 1-2.
Orizu had 16 points and 16 rebounds while Jose came up with 16 and 10.
The Blue Eagles held a 37-27 lead at the half but FEU managed to tie the match at 65.
An Ateneo run highlighted by a three-point play by Anton Asistio made it, 71-66, with 1:22 left.
Aaron Black played for only two minutes, getting pulled after sustaining a foot injury in the first quarter.
The scores:
Ateneo 76 — Ravena 17, Wong 13, Mendoza 10, Mi. Nieto 9, Ikeh 8, Asistio 7, Ma. Nieto 5, Babilonia 2, Go 2, Black 2, Tolentino 1, Porter 0, Verano 0, Ildefonso 0.
FEU 71 — Comboy 20, Jose 16, Orizu 16, Escoto 7, Bayquin 4, Nunag 4, Dennison 2, Holmqvist 2, Trinidad 0, Inigo 0, Arong 0, Roxas 0, Tuffin 0, Ebona 0.
Quarterscores: 18-10; 37-27; 58-47; 76-71.
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