By Ivan Saldajeno
"Big" Mike Nieto scored the game-winner for the Ateneo Blue Eaglets as they escaped with a 66-64 win against the NU Bullpups in their UAAP juniors basketball rematch at the Blue Eagle Gym in Quezon City.
Nieto converted a layup against Justine Baltazar to put the Blue Eaglets up for good with 2.5 seconds left.
Alfred Calma tried to steal the win for the Bullpups, but he missed a corner triple as time expired and they saw their 22-game winning streak dating back to last season come to an end.
Nieto finished the match with eight points, 15 rebounds, and four assists, while brother Matthew made 12 points, two rebounds, and a steal.
Jolo Mendoza led Ateneo, which will enter the Christmas break with a 7-0 slate, with 20 points and six rebounds.
Mark Dyke scored 19 points and grabbed 16 rebounds for NU.
Box Scores:
Ateneo 66-Mendoza 20, Ma. Nieto 15, Joson 9, Mi. Nieto 8, Mamuyac 6, Ildefonso 4, Andrade 4, Ramos 0, Eustaquio 0, Salandanan 0, Hassan 0
NU 64-Dyke 19, Baltazar 10, Mina 9, Manalang 8, Peñano 5, Clemente 4, Atienza 3, Sta. Ana 2, Calma 2, Claveria 2, De Guzman 0, Ferreras 0, Camaso 0
Quarterscores: 27-24, 33-37, 50-55, 66-64
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