By Ivan Saldajeno
Ateneo survived a late UP rally as it hacked out a hard-fought 70-69 win at the resumption of the UAAP Men's Basketball Tournament at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.
The Blue Eagles nearly squandered a 15-point lead as the Fighting Maroons slowly fought back and came to within one with a minute left in the game after Mikee Reyes fired a three-pointer.
Kiefer Ravena missed a layup on the other end, but Kyles Lao lost the ball on the other end after Ateneo's defense held on.
Arvin Tolentino, however, was whistled for an offensive foul while trying to put up a screen on Ravena's defender, giving the Maroons a chance to win.
Diego Dario, however, missed a runner from the baseline, and Gelo Vito fouled Ravena after the latter grabbed the rebound.
Ravena, however, missed two free throws, and he was also called for a lane violation, giving the Maroons one more crack at the victory.
Reyes then went for a stepback jumper, and he got a Chris Newsome foul on the play, leaving 0.8 second on the clock.
Reyes, however, missed the first free throw, and after a late officiating huddle, he also missed the second charity as Ateneo took the win.
Ravena made 18 points, grabbed five rebounds, and dished seven assists for the Blue Eagles, who moved up to 9-3.
Reyes scored 19 points, got three boards, and made three dimes for the Fighting Maroons, who dropped to 1-11.
Box Scores:
Ateneo 70-K. Ravena 18, Elorde 12, A. Tolentino 8, Babilonia 8, F. Ravena 8, Newsome 4, Pessumal 4, Doliguez 4, Javelosa 2, Porter 2, Capacio 0, V. Tolentino 0, Asistio 0, Apacible 0, Gotladera 0
UP 69-Reyes 19, Gallarza 18, Dario 13, Moralde 11, Vito 2, Lao 2, Asilum 2, Juruena 2, Gingerich 0, Harris 0, Bederi 0
Quarterscores: 16-15, 29-24, 56-48, 70-69
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