Ateneo put University of the East (UE) out of contention with a 73-56 victory Wednesday in the Filoil EcoOil Preseason Cup at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.
The Blue Eagles broke loose from a 37-35 lead at the half with a 24-7 third-quarter onslaught that set them up for their second consecutive win after a 0-5 start.
“We’re happy with the win. There’s nothing magical about adjustments at halftime,” Ateneo head coach Tab Baldwin said. “When your team doesn’t do things in the first half, that stuff impacts the game. We just came out in the third quarter and rebounded the ball better.”
Kai Ballungay showed the way for Ateneo with 15 points and five rebounds, while Joseph Obasa posted a 14-point, 10-rebound double-double performance.
Noy Remogat had 13 points, five rebounds and two steals for UE which dropped out of contention with a 3-5 record.
Adamson University beat winless Faith Colleges of Batangas, 108-63, to remain alive in the tournament.
Didat Hanapi got 12 points, five rebounds and two assists for the Soaring Falcons who improved to 5-4 standing won-lost.
Emilio Aguinaldo College exited with a 79-71 victory over University of Perpetual Help in Group I built around the 22-point, 11-rebound, six-assist performance by JP Maguliano.