Ateneo mauls UE to go third

File photo
By Ivan Saldajeno

SAN JUAN, MM—In the UAAP men's basketball tournament's return to the FilOil Flying V Centre after seven years, Ateneo returned to its winning ways.

The Blue Eagles soared after a sluggish start and repulsed the UE Red Warriors, 75-61, in a rare early Wednesday tip-off.

Ateneo actually found itself in the wrong end of a potential UE upset in the first quarter as the latter raced to a 23-9 lead.

The Eagles dominated from there, outscoring the Warriors, 33-14, in the rest of the first half and pulled away for good in the second half.

Jolo Mendoza led Ateneo, which moved up to third place at 5-4 and snapped a two-handed skid, with 15 points all in the first half.

Third Ravena leaned on a solid free throw shooting to add 14 points.

Philip Manalang had a game-high 16 markers for UE, which further slipped to 2-7.

Box Scores:

Ateneo 75-Mendoza 15, Ravena 14, Wong 11, Mi. Nieto 10, Go 8, Asistio 4, Black 4, Tolentino 4, Ceramic 4, Ikeh 1, Babilonia 0, Ma. Nieto 0, Porter 0

UE 61-Manalang 16, De Leon 13, Pasaol 7, Varilla 7, Bastille 5, Bartolome 4, Olayon 4, Palma 3, Derige 2, Abanto 0, Charcos 0, Gagate 0, Larupay 0, Penuela 0

Quarterscores: 16-23, 42-37, 60-48, 75-61

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