Ateneo de Manila University fired on all cylinders in the fourth quarter to overpower Adamson University, 77-58, and remain unbeaten in the UAAP Season 88 Men’s Basketball Tournament at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Sunday evening.
Leading by just three points at the end of the third quarter, 51-48, the Blue Eagles erupted for a 17-1 run in the payoff period to put the game out of reach, 68-49, with 3:23 remaining.
Jaden Lazo led the charge with eight points during that decisive run, while Josh Lazaro, Divine Adili, and Jared Bahay all contributed key baskets.
The Soaring Falcons suffered their second loss in three games, giving up a season-high 77 points after holding opponents to an average of just 59.5 points in their first two outings.
“I think in the second half we hit on all cylinders. Our shooting improved from 37 percent in the first half to 49 percent in the second, so we must have shot at an extremely high percentage. We were more patient, executed better, and the guys knocked down their shots,” said Ateneo head coach Tab Baldwin.
The Blue Eagles improved to 3-0 atop the standings, marking their best start since going 13-0 in the Season 84 “bubble.”
The game featured six lead changes and five ties through the first three quarters before Ateneo pulled away with a dominant 26-10 fourth quarter.
“Up until the last game, shooting totals were frustrating, but all I care about is the final score and the win. All credit goes to my teammates for finding me, and I thank God for hitting those shots,” said Lazo, who finished with 15 points, three steals, and a game-best plus-24 in 20 minutes on the floor.
Adili, a 20-year-old center from Nigeria, battled through a bad back to contribute 16 points and six rebounds, while Kymani Ladi continued his solid play with 14 points, five rebounds, two assists, two steals, and a block.
Ian Espinosa also added 10 points off the bench, going a perfect 3-of-3 from beyond the arc.
Ateneo will aim to maintain its spotless record next Sunday against rival De La Salle University at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
The Blue Eagles will then face a challenging stretch with games against University of the Philippines on Oct. 8 and University of Santo Tomas on Oct 11.
Matt Erolon was the lone bright spot for Adamson, scoring 23 points on a scorching 7-of-8 from three, while their next highest scorer, Ray Allen Torres, managed just seven points.
Adamson will look to bounce back on Sunday against Far Eastern University.
The Scores:
Ateneo (77) – Adili 16, Lazo 15, Ladi 14, Espinosa 10, Escobar 8, Lazaro 6, Bahay 3, Espina 3, Nieto 2, Tuano 0, Bongo 0, Cainglet 0, Gamber 0, Ebdane 0, Fjellvang 0, Ong 0.
AdU (58) – Erolon 23, Torres 7, Manzano 6, Ojarikre 6, Montebon 5, Anabo 5, Demisana 2, Fransman 2, Cañete 2, A. Ronzone 0, C. Ronzone 0, Perez 0, Barcelona 0, Medina 0, Jaymalin 0, Tumaneng 0.
Quarterscores: 18-11, 33-30, 51-48, 77-58.
