Ateneo nips UST, bags twice-to-beat advantage

ATENEO de Manila University nipped University of Santo Tomas, 68- 66, on Saturday to grab the Final Four twice- tobeat incentive in the of University Athletic Association of the Philippines men’s basketball Season 75 at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Forward Ryan Buenafe, who earlier scored 11 points, came out huge in the dying five seconds of the game with a three- point shot to seal their 68- 66 win.

Guard Kiefer Ravena topscored for the Blue Eagles with 18 points, Juami Tiongson had 13 points and 7- footer Greg Slaughter 10. Ateneo improved to 12 wins and two losses to clinch the twice- to- beat advantage in the Final Four.

The Growling Tigers now with a 94 win-loss log fell to the No. 3 spot. In the other game, shooting guard Jericho Cruz notched 21 points as Adamson University routed University of the East (UE), 89- 69, for its third win in 13 games.

“We have nothing to lose anymore and there is no pressure at all. The players are just playing their best whatever situation we’re in now,” said Adamson head coach Leo Austria.

Despite the win, the Falcons can no longer secure a slot in the Final Four after tallying 10 losses in 13 games.

Roider Cabrera scattered 15 points, forward John Brondial added 14 plus 11 rebounds while Jensen Rios and Allen Etrone merged for 18 points for the Falcons.

The UE Red Warriors now has a 3- 10 win- loss log.