Eagles, maroons pull off big wins

MANILA, Philippines —  Title favorites Ateneo and University of the Philippines staved off strong resistance from University of the East and Far Eastern U, respectively, scoring gritty victories in the UAAP Season 86 men’s basketball tournament yesterday at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

Reigning champion Ateneo fended off UE, 76-69, to get back on winning track with a 2-2 card as UP thwarted winless Far Eastern U, 80-76, in overtime to stay undefeated in four starts and tie its best start in the Final Four era.

Kai Ballungay collared 18 points and 11 rebounds with Joseph Obasa hauling 16 points, eight rebounds and six blocks to hold the fort for the Blue Eagles, who also drew 11 points from Jared Brown including back-to-back treys in the last two minutes.

“We continue to improve as a team. We really dug deep in the fourth and defended much better. In the end, it’s a very good win for us. It’s a win that we need,” said coach Tab Baldwin after losses against National U and Adamson.

Ateneo’s other win came against La Salle via thrilling comeback fashion. Against a vastly-improved UE side under the tutelage of Jack Santiago, Baldwin and his wards needed every stop to pull through.

After going fire with fire with the Red Warriors in the first three quarters, the Blue Eagles flaunted sharper claws in the fourth by limiting their foes to only 11 points, including a scoreless outing in the last three minutes after striking to within 69-71 on a Precious Momowei bucket.

Brown answered with a triple in the ensuing play as Momowei fouled out, taking the fight out of the Red Warriors who fell to a 2-2 record. Momowei, Ethan Galang and Wello Lingolingo had 12 points each as ace Rey Remogat misfired with nine on 4-of-15 clip.

The Maroons were dragged into the same dogfight before reigning MVP Malick Diouf and Janjan Felicilda came to the rescue in OT.

Felicilda had 17 points highlighted by the game-sealing lay-up in the final seven seconds as Diouf produced 11 points and 20 rebounds, including crucial back-to-back buckets to give UP a 77-73 lead heading home.

“Malaking puhunan,” said assistant coach Christian Luanzon.

In the third game, National U vented its ire on the