Nietos power Ateneo

Ateneo de Manila University unleashed a strong second-quarter explosion to edge its rival De La Salle University, 81-69, in Season 82 of the University Athletics Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Sunday night at the Araneta Coliseum.

Mike and Matt Nieto ran the show, sparking a strong second-quarter rally to keep the Blue Eagles undefeated.

Matt delivered an acrobatic layup to give Ateneo a 13-point edge, 42-29, before Mike jumped in to stretch the deficit to 22 points, 51-29.

Mike led Ateneo with 18 points, five rebounds, four assists, and two steals while Matt added 15 points and three boards for Ateneo, which improved to 2-0.

“It was tough. I was also surprised with their second-quarter performance. Overall, their defense was tough and intense,” said Ateneo head coach Tab Baldwin, whose team waged a 28-8 run in the second period.

Gian Mamuyac nailed eight of Ateneo’s last 10 points to put on the finishing touches to emerge with 14 points, four rebounds, two assists and two steals.

“We just followed Coach Tab’s system and played through. Almost every shot that was given to me was open so I just took it,” Mamuyac said.

Jamie Malonzo, meanwhile, delivered 18 points and 10 rebounds while team captain Andrei Caracut notched 14 points, two rebounds, five assists and a steal for the Green Archers.