MANILA, Philippines - Ateneo again went through the wringer to outlast De La Salle-Zobel, 69-67, and stay perfect Wednesday in the UAAP Season 77 juniors basketball tournament at the Blue Eagle Gym.
Mike Nieto, the leading MVP contender, converted a fastbreak lay-up in the final 12.1 seconds that turned out to be the Blue Eaglets’ winning moment, stretching their unbeaten run to eight games.
Nieto also bailed Ateneo out in a thrilling 66-64 triumph over defending champion National University at the end of the first round, ending the Bullpups’ 22-game winning streak.
Jolo Mendoza paced the Eaglets with 22 points while Matthew Nieto contributed 13 points. Mike Nieto grabbed 18 rebounds
Far Eastern University-Diliman pinned NU a second straight defeat, hacking out a 68-65 double overtime victory.
Despite the setback, the Bullpups remained at second place with a 6-2 card, while the Baby Tamaraws joined the Junior Archers in third spot at 5-3.
Marvin Lee had a near double-double output for FEU with 25 points and nine boards while Wendell Comboy and Christian Fajarito added 10 markers apiece.
In other games, Adamson University overwhelmed UP Integrated School, 76-52, to improve its record to 4-4, and University of Santo Tomas beat University of the East, 77-67, for its third win in eight starts.
The Junior Maroons and the Junior Warriors fell to 1-7 and 0-8 slates, respectively.