THE FIVE-TIME defending champions Ateneo Blue Eagles finally broke into the win column as they defeated the Adamson Falcons, 71-59, in the 76th UAAP men’s basketball tournament yesterday at the Mall of Asia Arena.
It was Ateneo’s first win in four games while Adamson evened its record to 2-2 (win-loss).
With star guard Kiefer Ravena still trying to find his groove after coming back from an ankle injury, several players picked up the slack with Juami Tiongson scoring 15 and JP Erram recovering from a knee injury, contributing 12 points and 12 boards.
Veteran Ryan Buenafe was all business in this game as well as he registered a near triple-double with 11 points, 12 rebounds and nine assists.
In the first game, the National University Bulldogs kept the University of the Philippines winless this season with a 74-60 shellacking.
With league MVP and star wingman Bobby Ray Parks struggling with his shots, the Bulldogs got significant numbers from guard Gelo Alolino, who presided over a fourth period breakaway after being up by just six heading to the final canto. /Correspondent Jonas Panerio