Ateneo de Manila University displayed its heart of a champion as it trounced University of the East, 80-74, to keep its Final Four hopes alive in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines Season 86 men's basketball tournament yesterday at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Jared Brown sizzled from the three-point area while Kai Balunggay was impressive for the Blue Eagles, who clinched their seventh win in 13 matches to be assured of at least a playoff for the fourth a final semifinal spot.

A loss by Adamson University to National University in the later match would send Ateneo to the Final Four. But should the Falcons win, the Blue Eagles have no choice but to beat rival De La Salle University if they want to advance to the semis and stay in title contention.

In the second game, University of the Philippines pulled off an easy 86-81 win over also-ran University of Santo Tomas to earn a playoff for a twice-to-beat edge in the next round.

Chico Briones fired 14 of the Fighting Maroons' 73 bench points to underscore their balanced assault that led to their 11th victory in 13 games.

"They have been ready for this. We have been practicing hard every day and it's a good thing there are opportunities for them to express themselves and at the same time, play as a team," said UP coach Goldwin Monteverde, who drew 10 points from Cyril Gonzales and nine from Marc Belmonte.

"After this game, we will focus on the things we can still improve and we know how important our next game is."

Brown, a Filipino-American standout for Westmont College of California, drained six three-pointers to finish with 21 points while Balunggay added 15 markers for the Blue Eagles, who are determined to defend their title.

But beating a UE side that was missing the services of Congolese big man Precious Momowei to suspension wasn't easy.

Ethan Galang pumped life into the Red Warriors after knocking down a three-pointer to slice the lead to just five, 71-76, in the final 18.9 seconds.

Brown nailed three free throws in the last nine seconds but Galang answered back with another long bomb to keep their hopes alive, 74-79, until Sean Quitevis iced the game by splitting his charities.

"I thought we looked a bit disinterested today. There's no excuse for that. I thought we fell in love with the three a bit too much but I think UE wanted us to shoot the three," Ateneo coach Tab Baldwin said.

"We shot pretty well but we should have a more determined mindset going inside the paint."

Rey Remogat finished with 22 points for the Red Warriors, who are headed for an early vacation after suffering their ninth loss in 13 games.