Eagles thwart Tamaraws

MANILA, Philippines – Defending champion Ateneo staved off FEU, 65-55, to remain unbeaten and stay on course for a possible outright finals entry in the 82nd UAAP men’s basketball tournament yesterday at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Trailing by double digits in the first half, the Blue Eagles shifted back to their defensive play in the telling second half to tame the Tamaraws and claim their 11th straight win.

Later, Santo Tomas spoiled the return of coach Bo Perasol on the UP bench with a huge 84-78 comeback win.

Sherwin Concepcion nailed five of Santo Tomas’ 16 treys to finish with 16 points while Soulemane Chabi Yo hauled down 14 markers and 10 boards as the Tigers erased a 74-78 deficit in the last 1:40 mark with a searing 10-0 closeout.

Renzo Subido (13) and Brent Paraiso (6) also came up with crucial triples as the Tigers completed a repeat win thus climbing up to solo no. 3 spot with 6-5 card as against the Maroons’ 6-4 slate at second.

Meanwhile, shorthanded La Salle got back at UE, 65-59, to crack the top four at 5-5.

MVP candidate Ange Kouame asserted himself and collected 10 points, 15 rebounds and four blocks for Ateneo which made FEU to bleed for just 15 markers in the second half on a lowly 32-percent clip and 24 errors.

Thirdy Ravena was also a key factor with 10 markers, nine boards, two assists and two steals while big men Pat Maagdenberg and Will Navarro conspired for 17 points, 10 rebounds and two blocks to backstop Kouame.