The Ateneo Blue Eagles secure a solo third spot in the elimination round as they were able to squeeze past the UE Red Warriors 75-61, as the UAAP returns to the San Juan Arena after three seasons.
The Blue Eagles didn't started off the game that strong, giving the Red Warriors the opportunity to take a red hot start with a 15-5 lead to kick off the opening quarter. Struggling and still cold coming from an 11 day break the Blue Eagles struggles to find their rhythm inside the court, letting UE take control of the game pushing their lead up to a 23-9 ball game.
After cutting the lead of UE down to a 23-16 at the end of the first period, Ateneo continues their run in the second period as they finally found their rhythm inside the court, they were able to snatch the lead at 33-32 mid way of the second period. The Blue Eagles secured their lead to end the first half up 42-37.
Going to the second half the Blue Eagles maintain their aggressiveness as they take full control of the game extending their lead up to a 60-48 lead at the end of the third period. In the final period Ateneo already dominated UE as their lead ballooned to their biggest lead of the game at 18.
Jolo Mendoza led the scoring for the Blue Eagles with 15 along with Thirdy Ravena with 14 points. Meanwhile, Philip Manalang emerges as the leading scorer on the side of the Red Warriors with 16 points, RR De Leon added 13 points as UE dropped to 2-7.
Ateneo Blue Eagles 75
Mendoza 15, Ravena 14, Wong 11, Nieto Mi 10, Go 8, Tolentino 4, Black 4, Verano 4, Asistio 4, Ikeh 1.
UE Red Warriors 61
Manalang 16, De Leon 13, Variilla 7, Pasaol 7, Batiller 5. Bartolome 4, Olayon 4, Palma 3, Derige 2.
In the second game, the De La Salle University Green Archers continues their "Mayhem" campaign after destroying the National U Bulldogs 113-88, to remain undefeated after 10 games.
The game started with NU taking an early 14-4 lead, but the Green Archers were able to erase the huge lead to end the opening period on top with a slim 24-23 lead.
What everybody taught to be a close fight turns out to be a blow out game as the Green Archers started off their "Mayhem"in the second period, taking a series of runs La Salle was able to establish a solid double digit lead at 50-38, though NU was able to end the first half down by just 7, 56-49.
Despite the "Mayhem" the National U Bulldogs were still able to keep the game as close as possible specially in the third period as they won't let La Salle pull away big time, keeping the quarter score close at 29-27. Though the lead ballooned back to a 10 point deficit at 85-75 to the end of the third period/
But going to the NU Bulldogs couldn't contain the Mayhem of La Salle as they struggled to match the hot shooting of the Green Archers, giving La Salle the chance to extend their lead up to 27 points, and finishing with a 100 point mark.
Rookie Aljun Melecio shines in this game as he had his collegiate career high of 18 points, meanwhile Ben Mbala had another monster performance of 29 points and 14 rebounds. Rev Diputado led the Bulldogs in losing efforts with 23 points, JJay Alejadro added 17 points for NU as they go down to 4-6.
De La Salle Green Archers 113
Mbala 29, Melecio 18, Teng 13, Torres 12, Tratter 8, Rivero Ri 6, Montalbo 5, Caracut 5, Rivero Pr. 4, Baltazar 4, Perkins 4, Go 2, Sarent 2, Dyke 1.
NU Bulldogs 88
Diputado A. 23, Alejandro 17, Morido 13, Gallego 10, Pate 6, Salem 6, Salim 5, Mosqueda 4, Diputado M, 3, Aroga 2.
De La Salle Green Archers 113
Mbala 29, Melecio 18, Teng 13, Torres 12, Tratter 8, Rivero Ri 6, Montalbo 5, Caracut 5, Rivero Pr. 4, Baltazar 4, Perkins 4, Go 2, Sarent 2, Dyke 1.
NU Bulldogs 88
Diputado A. 23, Alejandro 17, Morido 13, Gallego 10, Pate 6, Salem 6, Salim 5, Mosqueda 4, Diputado M, 3, Aroga 2.
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