Eagles untouched

We played better on both ends of the floor during the second half and I was really happy about it.

ATENEO’s Thirdy Ravena challenges the shot of University of the Philippines forward Kobe Paras.

Ateneo de Manila University demolished University of the Philippines (UP), 89-63, to sweep the first round of Season 82 University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) men’s basketball tournament last night at the jampacked Smart Araneta Coliseum.

In a highly-anticipated rematch of last season’s finalists, the defending champions proved to be too much for the Fighting Maroons, who looked lost in the second half after their head coach Bo Perasol was thrown out at 6:23 mark of the third period after incurring two quick technical fouls.

And like in their first six games, the Blue Eagles banked on their balanced attack in carving out the lopsided victory to finish the first round with an immaculate 7-0 win-loss mark while dropping UP to second spot to 5-2.

“We played better on both ends of the floor during the second half and I was really happy about it,” said Ateneo head coach Tab Baldwin as his team outscored UP, 54-32, after the break.

Ange Kouame led five Ateneo players in double figures in scoring with 19 points to go along with his 15 rebounds and seven blocks while Matt Nieto and Will Navarro tallied season-highs 18 and 14 markers, respectively.

Kobe Paras led the Fighting Maroons with 15 points while Juan Gomez de Liano and Jun Manzo chipped in 14 and 12 markers, respectively for UP.

Reigning Most Valuable Player Bright Akhuetie was held down to just six points on just 1-of-3 shooting from the field as he was hobbled by foul trouble throughout the match.

Meanwhile, University of the East (UE) denied National University (NU) of a comeback and held on for a 78-72 win to finish the first round with a 2-5 mark.

Senegalese center Alex Diakhite bounced back from a poor performance and finished with 22 points, 13 rebounds and three blocks to lead the Red Warriors, who already surpassed their campaign last season (1-13).

“We knew that if we lose today, it will be almost impossible to get back in the second round,” UE active consultant Lawrence Chongson said.

“Of course, 2-5 (win-loss card) is a nightmare for me. But just like in life, I think it’s an extra motivation for the players to be able to survive the struggles,” he added.

Team captain Philip Manalang added 13 points and seven assists while Rey Suerte chipped in 12 for UE, which took a 57-47 advantage entering the fourth period.

But the Bulldogs made their run and Migs Oczon’s three-pointer cut the lead to 68-69 with 3:03 left in the game.

NU had the chance to move closer but a series of turnovers led to three free throws by Suerte and Nick Abanto to peg the final score.