Eagles clobber Tigers, gear up for Maroons

MANILA, Philippines — Reigning champion Ateneo primed up for its rematch with fierce rival University of the Philippines this weekend with a 97-77 trashing of winless Santo Tomas in the UAAP Season 86 men’s basketball tournament yesterday at the MOA Arena.

The Eagles erupted for 57 points in the second half to run away from a close first-half duel and stabilize their campaign at 3-3 ahead of an anticipated showdown with the league-leading Maroons on Sunday to end the first round of action.

Chris Koon banged in 21 points on three triples spiced by six rebounds and five assists while Kai Ballungay also drained three treys for 17 points and seven rebounds as Ateneo handed Santo Tomas its sixth loss this season and 19th straight since Season 85.

Providing support were Joseph Obasa with 17 points, eight rebounds and Mason Amos with 15 points.

Later, National U (5-1) maintained hold of second spot with a 68-49 win over University of the East (2-4) while Far Eastern U (2-4) escaped Adamson (3-3), 49-46, for its second straight win.