Defending champion Ateneo de Manila University outworked archrival De La Salle University in a mad sprint to the finish in a 77-72 victory in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines Season 86 men's basketball tournament Wednesday night at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Kai Ballungay and Mason Amos starred in the payoff period with crucial plays down the line for the Blue Eagles' first win in two games.

"It was a great rivalry game between two proud universities and obviously we're delighted we won that. Most importantly, I think we found some fight that was lacking last game," Ateneo head coach Tab Baldwin said.

Amos rebounded from a two-point debut in the Blue Eagles' opening day loss with an explosive performance he highlighted with crucial triples in the closing minutes of the fourth quarter that shifted the momentum to Ateneo's side.

Chris Koon led the Blue Eagles, who tied their victim in the standings along with Adamson University and University of the East, with 19 point and seven rebounds while Ballungay had a double-double of 18 markers and 16 boards with 12 coming off offensive rebounds.

Amos produced 12 points in 4-of-6 field goal shooting while Joseph Obasa got 11 points and grabbed 16 rebounds.

Amos' back-to-back treys shattered a 64-64 tie to put Ateneo on top, 70-64, with 2:09 left.

Kevin Quiambao tried to keep La Salle on the game with a triple but Ballungay skied for a slam followed by a Jared Brown basket for a 74-67 advantage in the last 1:06.

Mark Nonoy answered with a three-pointer to push the Green Archers within four with 25.5 seconds remaining before sending Jason Credo tob the freethrow line.

Credo missed both of his freebies but Josh Lazaro came up with the huge offensive board before making both his free throws, 76-70, with 10.2 ticks left.

Quiambao finished with 17 points and 14 rebounds, Evan Nelle got 15 while Eral Abadam chipped in 11 markers in a lost cause for La Salle.