Ateneo de Manila University (AdMU) began its road to redemption with a 79-70 win over Far Eastern University (FEU) on Sunday in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 85 men's basketball at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Forth Padrigao finished with a career-best 19 points, including a clutch triple, on top of seven assists, and six rebounds to lead the way for the Blue Eagles, who lost their crown to the University of the Philippines (UP) Fighting Maroons last season.
Padrigao made the clutch trey in the last 38.5 seconds to give Ateneo a 78-70 lead. The Tamaraws could not convert on the other end, leading to a Joshua Lazaro split from the line with 22.3 ticks left. FEU then came up with nothing again in the ensuing possession as Ateneo took the triumph.
Bryan Andrade was likewise comfortable in his new role, sinking 15 points, including five straight in one stretch that put the Eagles ahead by 14 and made life miserable for the Tamaraws.
Lj Gonzales scattered 19 points for the Tamaraws, who went on a 16-0 run late in the first half to keep the Eagles on their toes until the waning minutes of the third period.
The Tamaraws haven’t beaten the Eagles, last year’s losing finalist, since Season 81.
The scores
ATENEO 79 — Padrigao 19, Andrade 15, Ildefonso 14, Kouame 12, Koon 11, Ballungay 3, Daves 2, Chiu 2, Lazaro 1, Gomez 0, Garcia 0, Quitevis 0.
FEU 70 — Gonzales 19, Sleat 17, Sajonia 10, Anonuevo 9, Torres 5, Tchuente 3, Alforque 3, Tempra 2, Sandagon 2, Gravera 0, Celzo 0, Guibao 0, Bagunu 0.
Quarters: 24-16, 30-36, 55-50, 79-70.
