Ateneo wins third straight at UP's expense
Defending champion Ateneo continues to roll.
Banking on a big second half, the Blue Eagles re-asserted their mastery over the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons with a 67-59 victory–their third straight–in UAAP Season 76 men’s cage action at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum.
Aside from tying archrival La Salle at 4-4, Ateneo also extended its winning streak over its Katipunan neighbor to nine games, including a 72-64 win in their initial meeting this season last July 21.
After leading by as many as 11 points (33-22) and taking a 34-33 lead at halftime for the first time this season, the Fighting Maroons suddenly went in disarray in the pivotal half and, eventually, dropped further to the cellar with their eight consecutive setback.
Guard Kiefer Ravena tallied a double-double of 14 points and 14 rebounds plus five assists and three steals for the Blue Eagles, who enjoyed decisive edges in second chance points 17-5 and translated 16 Maroons’ turnovers into 16 big markers.
Leading the way anew for UP was gunner Joseph Marata, who had 15 points, all coming from beyond the arc.
The Main Man: Kiefer Ravena is starting to show what he's really capable of.
The 6-foot guard continued his steady recovery from a severe right ankle sprain as he dished out an all-around outing in 31 minutes of play, highlighted by a game-high 14 rebounds, all but two from the defensive glass.
Honorable Mention: Chris Newsome has more to offer than his high-leaping ability.
The 6-foot-4 wingman collected 11 points, five rebounds and two assists while tirelessly shadowing UP's main man Joseph Marata.
Game Turning Point: After a slow start, the Blue Eagles picked up their usual rhythm after the halftime break, uncorking a decisive 13-5 start to gain a 46-39 lead.
As the Fighting Maroons started to fade, the Eagles continued to pour it on into the fourth, coming through with another jarring 10-4 surge, capped by a picture perfect alley-op play of Newsome from Ravena for an insurmountable 63-51 lead going to the last 2:07 of play.
They Said It:
Ateneo coach Bo Perasol: “I think we could have done better, especially in pacing ourselves for tougher situations ahead in this second round. Just like any other coach, I’ll take it any time. There are a lot of things that are commendable like we did not give up even when we were down in the second quarter. Kiefer did a good job rebounding for us. Chris did well in defending Sam Marata. Generally, we could be better.”
Ateneo forward Chris Newsome: “We came out sluggish but we stuck together and we were able to pull through. Every win is now important.”
The scores:
Ateneo (67) – Ravena 14, Tiongson 11, Newsome 11, Buenafe 7, Golla 6, Erram 6, Elorde 4, Capacio 4, Tolentino 2, Pessumal 2, Murphy 0, Enriquez 0, Asistio 0.
UP (59) – Marata 15, Lao 9, Asilum 8, Wong 5, Soyud 5, Gingerich 4, Desiderio 4, Pascual 3, Gallarza 3, Ligad 2, Ball 1.
Quarterscores: 14-21, 33-34, 53-47, 67-59.
