Ateneo de Manila University and Far Eastern University–Diliman (FEU-D) turned in parallel performances to close the first round of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 88 boys’ basketball tournament as joint leaders on Sunday at the Adamson Gym in Manila.

The Blue Eagles leaned on a dominant 31-point double-double from Nigerian center Jude Eriobu to rout the University of the Philippines Integrated School (UPIS) Fighting Maroons, 96-70, and return to the win column.

Meanwhile, Khean Esperanza and Adi Alagaban delivered breakout outings as the Baby Tamaraws outlasted the Baby Falcons, 83-76, to claim their fifth straight victory.

Ateneo and FEU-D both remained on top with identical 6-1 records, though the Blue Eagles hold the tiebreaker after dealing the Baby Tamaraws a wire-to-wire 90-71 defeat in their first-round meeting last 14 January at the Filoil Centre.

“We’re happy with the win, pero we’re not satisfied with how we played,” Blue Eagles head coach Bacon Austria said.

“We cannot play at this level and the intensity to start every game because teams are keeping up at us. Happy with the win, but not satisfied with how we won today.”

An Eriobu layup and a Zane Kallos three-pointer gave Ateneo an early 49-34 lead early in the third quarter, but Zandro Lugatiman sparked a rally by drilling four consecutive triples to trim UPIS’ deficit to 49-46 with over six minutes left in the frame.

The Nigerian center quickly reasserted control alongside Noah Banal, as Eriobu poured in 14 points while the 6-foot-2 guard added eight during a decisive 22-5 surge. The run pushed the Blue Eagles ahead, 71-51, entering the payoff period.

Ateneo stayed firmly in the driver’s seat in the fourth quarter, with back-to-back Ethan Kaw layups, a triple and an inside hit by Renzo Gatmaitan, and an Audwyn Tamayo midrange jumper keeping UPIS buried in an 86-57 hole with 5:27 remaining.

Eriobu finished with 31 points on 14-of-18 shooting, along with 13 rebounds and one steal.