Ateneo snapped out of a five-game slump and eliminated University of the East in the process, 78-74, in the UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball tournament on Wednesday at Mall of Asia Arena.
The Blue Eagles, who opened the season at 4-0 before going on a downward spiral, improved to a 5-5 record and kept the Red Warriors winless after 10 games.
‘What an outstanding effort by UE, the coaching staff did a great job. We knew that their top players are just really top-tier players in this league and they did a great job despite us giving them all our defensive energy,’ said Ateneo coach Tab Baldwin.
‘They did everything but win the game in terms of competitiveness.’
The Red Warriors looked like they were primed for a breakthrough after taking a 63-52 lead with 1:39 left in the third quarter.
But the Blue Eagles battled back thanks to a strong fourth quarter showing behind Kymani Ladi, Shawn Tuano and Divine Adili.
Adili posted a double-double with 15 points and 13 rebounds in his return after missing three games due to a back injury, while Ladi scored a team-high 16.
UE’s skid continued despite the return of key cog Wello Lingolingo from a three-game suspension. Lingolingo topscored with 19 points. Precious Momowei led the tough-luck Red Warriors with another double-double effort of 19 points and 18 rebounds.