Ateneo wins ‘Battle of Katipunan’
Heavy favorite and reigning champion Ateneo proved that it’s on a league of its own after handing the souped-up UP squad a harsh reality check, 89-63, in an emotional rematch of last year’s finals to complete a first-round sweep of the 82nd UAAP men’s basketball tournament last night in front of 19, 861 fans at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum.
After a slow start, the Eagles took flight in the second period before breaking free in the one-sided second half to reassert mastery of the Maroons in this highly-anticipated ‘Battle of Katipunan,’ and head into the second round untouched with a 7-0 slate.
Five players reached double-digits for Ateneo led by Ivorian center Angelo Kouame, who pumped in 19 points on 9-of12 shooting, 15 rebounds, including eight on the offensive glass, and seven blocks.
Matt Nieto (18), William Navarro (14), Thirdy Ravena (13) and SJ Belangel (11) shared the load with Kouame as the Eagles imposed their dominance on the Maroons, whom they swept in the bestof-three championship series last year en route to their second straight title.
But still, head coach Tab Baldwin is not satisfied just yet as his wards have gone through only halfway of their ultimate three-peat UAAP journey.
“It was not an easy game. But it’s great for us. It’s great to win. Now, we can look forward to the second round where we still have a lot to improve on,” said Baldwin as the Blue Eagles clinched their 17th straight win dating back to the first round of Season 81.
Earlier, University of the East prevailed over National U in the duel between cellar-dweller squads, 78-72, to head into the second round on a winnning note.
Up against the Kobe Paras and Ricci Rivero-led Maroons, who beefed up their roster in a bid to improve on a bridesmaid finish last year, the Eagles were stunned with a 15-21 first quarter start.
Paras (15), Javi Gomez de Liano (14) and Jun Manzo (12) paced the Maroons, whose mentor Bo Perasol got ejected in the 6:23 mark of the third period for charging at a referee after what he felt was a non-call.