Eagles deal Maroons 6th straight loss

Manila, Philippines – Reigning back-to-back champion Ateneo Blue Eagles forced a three-way logjam at second spot after blasting winless University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons, 78-53, on Thursday in the UAAP Season 73 men’s basketball at the Araneta Coliseum.



The Eagles bucked a jittery start and turned up the heat in the second period to fashion out the lopsided victory as they improved to 4-2, tying Adamson Falcons, who won earlier against UE Red Warriors, and idle De La Salle Green Archers.



After trailing behind, 12-17, in the opening period, Nico Salva exploded for 9 of his game-high 18 points in the second canto as Ateneo took control of the game.



Then the Eagles’ defense was in full display in the pivotal third period as they held the Maroons’ to a season-low five points, opening up a huge 54-30 lead.



“We didn’t take UP for granted. We gave them the respect they deserve. We’re actually lagging behind (FEU) and we have to take care of our business and make sure we don’t stumble again,” Ateneo coach Norman Black said.



The Eagles held their Katipunan rivals to just 25.3 percent clip as UP registered its lowest output in the last five years.



High scoring forward Mike Silungan typified UP’s struggles from the floor. Silungan was held down to mere 5 points on 2-of-10 shooting from the floor.



The loss was the sixth straight for the Maroons.



Ateneo, on the other hand, drew fine performances from their backcourt. Sophomore guard Juami Tiongson scored 13 points while Eric Salamat added 12 markers, 9 assists and 4 steals for the Eagles, who shot 47.5 percent from the field.



The Scores:

ADMU 78 – Salva 18, Tiongson 13, Salamat 12, Golla 8, Chua 8, Escueta 6, Long 3, Estrada 2, Dela Cruz 2, Monfort 2, Buenafe 2, Austria 2, Erram 0, Balmaceda 0, Gonzaga 0, De Chavez 0.



UP 53 – Sison 13, Padilla 12, Lopez 6, Silungan 5, Co 5, Gomez 4, Martin Reyes 3, Migs Reyes 2, Juruena 2, Jose 1, Saret 0, Maniego 0, Hipolito 0, Gingerich 0.



Quarters: 12-17, 38-25, 54-30, 78-53.

Alder Almo, UAAP Sports