MANILA — Ateneo moved to within a win from completing a 14-0 elimination round sweep in the UAAP men’s basketball tournament after romping National University, 88-51, at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City on Saturday.
The Blue Eagles stifled the Bulldogs in the first quarter, outscoring them, 22-12, to set up the breakaway.
Ange Kouame made 17 points, 13 rebounds, three assists, three blocks, and one steal for the now 13-0 Ateneo, which can complete the sweep with a win against the University of the Philippines on Wednesday night at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
Thirdy Ravena added 15 points, four rebounds, three assists, and one steal.
Shaun Ildefonso made a game-high 21 points, four rebounds, one assist, and one steal for NU in a game where younger brother Dave was held to just two points.
No other Bulldog was in double figures in terms of scoring.
Box Scores
ATENEO 88 – Kouame 17, Ravena 15, Tio 9, Wong 8, Belangel 7, Mamuyac 5, Mi. Nieto 5, Andrade 4, Daves 4, Go 4, Mallillin 4, Chiu 3, Maagdenberg 3, Ma. Nieto 0
NU 51 – S. Ildefonso 21, Gallego 9, Tibayan 8, Minerva 4, Clemente 3, Gaye 2, D. Ildefonso 2, Rangel 2, Diputado 0, Galinato 0, Joson 0, Malonzo 0, Mangayao 0, Mosqueda 0, Oczon 0, Yu 0
Quarterscores: 22-12, 44-27, 65-36, 88-51 (PNA)