Eagles rip Tigers to finish strong in UAAP elims

MANILA, Philippines – Ateneo de Manila University overpowered University of Santo Tomas, 102-62, to end its elimination campaign of Season 81 UAAP men’s basketball tournament on a high note on Wednesday at the Mall of Asia Arena.
 
The Blue Eagles started the game with a 16-0 spurt and never looked back to finish the elims with a league-leading 12-2 win-loss card. They are seeded No. 1 in the Final Four round.

Angelo Koumae led Ateneo with 22 points and 10 rebounds while William Navarro followed up his solid showing against La Salle with 17 points and five boards for the Blue Eagles, who played minus head coach Tab Baldwin.

“One of the things coach Tab said is the system is already in place and they already know what they are supposed to do,” said Ateneo assistant mentor Sandy Arespacochaga.

“I’m happy the players responded. The mentality in this game is we didn’t see from the players it’s a no-bearing game. They are very serious from the start because UST is a dangerous team,” he added. 

Baldwin missed the game as he had to undergo some tests in the hospital but his absence was hardly felt in the match as the Blue Eagles came out firing and erected an early 34-13 lead after the first period.

Their lead reached as high as 44 points, 81-37, after Navarro completed a three-point play with 2:45 remaining in the third period.

Renzo Subido led UST with 18 points while Tobi Agustin and Joshua Marcos added 15 and 13 markers, respectively, for the Growling Tigers who finished the season at sixth spot with 5-9 mark.