STREAKING Ateneo and Far Eastern University (FEU) collide in a crucial Season 81 University Athletic Association of the Philippines men’s basketball game on Wednesday at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
On a hot five-game roll, the Blue Eagles (5-1 won-lost) try to ascend to the top and overtake co-leader the Adamson University Soaring Falcons, who absorbed a shock 85-88 overtime loss to the Tamaraws last Sunday.
The painful loss relegated Adamson University to a share of the lead and gave Ateneo a chance for a strong finish approaching the conclusion of the first round of eliminations. The game is set at 7 p.m.
University of the Philippines (3-3), meanwhile, tries to spike its record when it clashes with University of Santo Tomas (2-4) at 2 p.m.
In its last four games, Ateneo gave its opponents a nightmare with a winning margin of 25.5 points. The Blue Eagles’ 71-55 victory over archrival De La Salle Green Archers proved to be the cherry on top of their mighty rally after a season-opening loss to Adamson University last month.
Kakou Kouame chipped in 20 points, 13 rebounds and five blocks, while Anton Asistio was the only other double-digit scorer with 12 points.
It wasn’t offense that gifted them the victory, but it was their relentless defense that forced the Green Archers to yield.
De La Salle committed 28 turnovers, allowing Ateneo to score 29 points from those blunders.
The Blue Eagles also held the Taft-based squad to a season-low in points and field-goal percentage. Even more upsetting was De La Salle’s three assists in the entire game, compared to Ateneo’s 14.
FEU, on the other hand, fought toe-to-toe and gave Adamson University its first loss in six games.
Arvin Tolentino was at the forefront of FEU’s assault with 19 points and four rebounds.
The Tamaraws withstood the scoring performances of Jerrick Ahanmisi and Sean Manganti, who tallied 21 and 10 points, respectively.